The North East is being warned to expect heavy rain with a risk of thunder over the Bank Holiday weekend. The Met Office has outlined its forecast for the final days of meteorological summer and most of the UK is set to be hit by rain.
Yellow Warning Issued for Friday
Annie Shuttleworth, Met Office meteorologist, said: “For most areas of the UK, there is at least a chance of a heavy downpour through Friday. Some of these bring the continued risk of thunderstorms.”
A yellow warning for thunderstorms was issued for the North East, covering a nine-hour period on Friday, August 28. The alert, running from midday to 9pm, said there were likely to be "thunderstorms in a few places leading to some disruption and possible flooding".
Among the North East areas included in the warning were Darlington, Durham, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Redcar and Cleveland, and Stockton-on-Tees. People were being warned that roads could be affected by spray, standing water or hail, and delays to train services were possible.
Wet Weekend Ahead
Saturday and Sunday also look wet for people in the North East. However, temperatures are largely forecast to be "around normal".
In Newcastle, Friday and Saturday will have highs of 20C, with a slight dip to 18C on Sunday. The forecast is showing rain on all three days.
Following that, "unsettled weather looks set to continue into the start of next week". This could bring outbreaks of rain in the region, occasionally heavy with the risk of thunder.
Detailed North East Forecast
Friday: Overnight heavy rain will clear eastern areas early, with isolated showers elsewhere. Showers developing more widely through the day, often heavy with a risk of thunder in places. Temperatures around normal. Maximum temperature 21 °C.
Friday night: Showers easing off with some late evening sunshine possible. Clear spells overnight, along with light winds, could see some cooler temperatures in places. Minimum temperature 11 °C.
Saturday: Dry to start, perhaps with some early sunny spells for eastern coasts. Rain, heavy at times, then becoming widespread from late morning, persisting for the rest of the day. Maximum temperature 21 °C.
Sunday to Tuesday: Unsettled weather looks set to continue into the start of next week with outbreaks of rain or showers, occasionally heavy with the risk of thunder. Temperatures around normal.
