The Met Office has named 37 areas of England expected to see heavy rain this August Bank Holiday weekend, dashing hopes for hot and sunny conditions at Leeds and Reading Festivals and for barbecues and getaways.
After five consecutive heatwaves, the washout forecast comes as rain is much needed following weeks of drought conditions. Wales and Scotland are also expected to face similar weather.
Saturday and beyond forecast
In its Saturday forecast, the Met Office says: “A band of heavy rain moves east across England and Wales, brighter conditions follow with heavy, possibly thundery showers. Staying dry but rather cloudy across Scotland and Northern Ireland.”
For Sunday to Tuesday, it adds: “Unsettled throughout, with heavy, thundery showers in many areas on Sunday. Monday will be somewhat drier, especially later, before showers return Tuesday. Often windy near coasts, with temperatures around average.”
Full list of 37 areas
The 37 areas of England expecting rain this Bank Holiday weekend include West Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, North Yorkshire, Surrey, Greater London, Essex, Kent, Suffolk, Norfolk, Cambridgeshire, Oxfordshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Northamptonshire, Rutland, Worcestershire, Warwickshire, Herefordshire, Shropshire, Staffordshire, Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire, Derbyshire, Cheshire, Merseyside, Greater Manchester, Cornwall, Somerset, Devon, Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, Hampshire, East Sussex and West Sussex.
The Met Office has also named 10 areas 'escaping' the heaviest rain on Friday.
