The early May bank holiday weekend in the United Kingdom began with bright and sunny conditions for many, but the weather is set to shift towards wetter and more unsettled patterns as the weekend progresses. While eastern parts of England may see temperatures reaching 25 degrees Celsius on Saturday, other regions will experience heavy downpours and the possibility of thunderstorms. The unsettled weather is expected to persist throughout the bank holiday period, with temperatures falling below 20 degrees Celsius across the country by Monday, following a prolonged period of warmth.
Forecast Details
Meteorologist Greg Dewhurst noted that temperatures are beginning to decrease, though sunny intervals still bring above-average conditions for the time of year. He highlighted a transition towards more unsettled weather. The Met Office has predicted wet weather and heavy downpours, particularly in southern parts of the UK over the weekend.
Meteorologist Alex Deakin explained that northern areas may remain largely dry through the weekend, but southern regions will see showers, with some areas in the south of England potentially receiving a "real soaking." Met Office spokesman Grahame Madge added that Saturday could bring quite heavy, thundery showers into parts of southern England.
Saturday and Sunday
On Saturday, widespread showers are expected overnight into Sunday, followed by a cooler influence from Sunday onwards, bringing additional showers. Wet weather will continue on Sunday for many parts of England and Wales, with rain also possible across southern Scotland. The rain should ease throughout the day, with brighter spells developing in some places, but one or two heavy showers or thunderstorms could still occur.
Monday and Beyond
Monday will remain changeable, with lingering cloud and scattered showers across southern and central areas, though these should be lighter and fewer than over the weekend. The warmest weather over the weekend is forecast for Saturday, with temperatures in parts of England reaching 25 degrees Celsius, particularly in the East Midlands, Nottingham, Leicester, Peterborough, and Cambridge. On Sunday, temperatures in the mid-to-late teens are expected for parts of Wales and southern England, while northern areas will see slightly cooler conditions. Scotland and Northern Ireland will have a fresher feel overall, with fewer and lighter showers on Sunday.
On Monday, temperatures in the low teens are forecast for some parts of northern Scotland. The weather will feel fresher and cooler in the north and north-east, with light to moderate winds and temperatures close to average. The north of England could see average highs of around 15 degrees Celsius, while the south of England could reach 17 degrees Celsius.
Detailed Met Office Forecast
This Evening and Tonight: Widespread and at times heavy rain will spread northwards across much of England and Wales, with conditions becoming drier later in the far south. Cloudy across Scotland, with showers across Northern Ireland slowly easing. Remaining mild overnight.
Sunday: Persistent rain pushing northwards, lingering across northern England. Sunshine and showers, locally heavy, breaking out in the south, with the driest and brightest conditions across northern Scotland.
Outlook for Monday to Wednesday: Fewer showers around on Monday, but heavy and thundery. Turning cooler into early next week with a mix of sunny spells and showers, though these are generally lighter than over the weekend.
