Britain is preparing for a sodden bank holiday weekend as a band of rain moves in from the southwest in the early hours of Saturday morning. Weather maps from WXCharts show downpours arriving in Northern Ireland and the southwest coast, reaching Cornwall from around 6am on Saturday before pushing northeastwards across the country.
Heavy rainfall expected across much of the UK
Large parts of England, Scotland and Wales could face a thoroughly drenched Saturday as the low-pressure system brings widespread and, at times, heavy rainfall. The rain should begin to ease overnight, offering some areas a relatively drier spell on Saturday evening before the next band moves in on Sunday.
This second bout of rain is expected to bring another prolonged period of wet weather, with Scotland and Northern Ireland set to be particularly hard hit as the system tracks further northwest.
Flood alerts and concerns over overflowing streams
Rain on Thursday led to flooding in some areas, including in Birmingham where homes and businesses were damaged. Further flooding is feared, especially across the Midlands. There is particular concern for parts of Kenilworth, Warwickshire, where a stream is likely to overflow this weekend following the fresh showers.
The Environment Agency has dozens of flood alerts in place, including one for River Maun in Nottinghamshire and another for River Pinn and Woodridings Stream in Ruislip and Eastcote, west London.
Rain could persist for 57 consecutive hours
By 3pm on Sunday, almost the entire UK has been forecast rain. This could carry on into Monday, gradually becoming more scattered before easing from around 3pm. According to the Express, this could mean a handful of parts of the nation will see some rainfall - heavy or light - every hour for 57 consecutive hours, from when the rain arrives on Saturday morning until Monday afternoon.
The Met Office, which differs from WXCharts, has also forecast an unsettled bank holiday weekend, with further spells of rain sweeping across the UK. The agency said it will be blustery at times, particularly on Saturday, with temperatures around average for late August.
Temperature drop and festival impact
Temperatures peaked at 28.9C in Charlwood, Surrey, on Wednesday but by Sunday, the mercury is expected to fall significantly. Even parts of the south of England are expected to see 15C or 16C.
Tens of thousands of people braved heavy rain as they arrived at the Reading Festival on its first day today. About 100,000 people are expected to see acts including Charli xcx, Raye, Chase & Status, Dave and Fontaines D.C. ahead of the annual event closing on Sunday. One guest did concede: "One of our tents did get a little bit flooded."
