UK weather: Spring Bank Holiday weekend washout to hit in HOURS after temperatures plunged to -3C overnight
BRITS have been warned of a Bank Holiday washout after temperatures plummeted to -3C overnight.
The Met Office forecast predicts incoming thunderstorms, frost and heavy rain over the long weekend.
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After spates of glorious weather over the last few weeks, the mercury plunged as low as -3C in northern parts of Scotland last night.
Elsewhere much of the UK hovered between 0C and 3C.
But the turn in weather is just the beginning, with forecasters warning of possible thunderstorms coming in over the weekend.
While it is mainly scattered showers, some storms may develop across northwest England and southwest Scotland.
The rainy weather will gradually spread across the nation on Saturday, with Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday likely seeing both sunshine and showers.
Deputy Chief Meteorologist Mark Sidaway explained: 'The high pressure that has been around for the last few weeks will slowly lose its grip on the UK this week, bringing a change to more unsettled conditions with many areas seeing rain or showers, ending the prolonged dry spell.
'The change comes this weekend, with weather systems moving in from the Atlantic, arriving from the west probably later on Friday and through Saturday.
"They will bring with them spells of rain, which may be heavy at times, with a risk of strong winds in places.
"These conditions will gradually spread across the UK on Saturday, with Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday likely seeing sunshine and showers.
'So, whilst the bank holiday won't be a complete washout, with some sunshine expected, this weekend represents a notable shift from the fine and settled weather pattern that has dominated so far this month.'
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Today's forecast will see sunny spells across much of the UK, with temperature highs of 22C in the West Midlands.
Figures will also hover at around 19C in the south east by the afternoon.
Elsewhere, Northern Ireland will be hit by downpours but the mercury will reach highs of 15C.
Met Office meteorologist Clare Nasir said: "It's a fine day, with a chilly start. Temperatures plummeted overnight even with a touch of frost and an a keen breeze alone the eastern strip.
By Henry Saker-Clark, PA Deputy Business Editor
Sales rose for UK retailers last month as warmer weather helped drive stronger demand for food and drink, according to official figures.
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said overall retail sales volumes increased by 1.2% in April.
This compared with a 0.1% rise in March, which was revised down from a previous estimate of 0.4% for the month.
April's retail sales growth surpassed expectations, with analysts having predicted a 0.4% increase.
The ONS said the latest increase means growth over the past three months has been the "largest in nearly four years" despite concerns over pressure on consumer budgets.
It comes as official data continues to show that wages - which rose 5.6% in the three months to March - are outpacing inflation, the increase in goods and services.
ONS senior statistician Hannah Finselbach said: "Sunny skies and warm temperatures helped boost retail sales in April with strong trading across most sectors.
"After a poor couple of months, food sales bounced back with supermarkets reporting robust sales, while it was also a positive month for butchers and bakers, alcohol and tobacco stores.
"Conversely, after a good March, clothing sales fell this month, although it was a brighter picture for department stores and household good shops whose sales grew."
"For most it's a dry morning with some lovely sunshine coming through - make the most of it.
"It will all change into the weekend and you can see that change coming in across the Republic of Ireland through, through the afternoon thickening cloud which extends towards Northern Ireland through mid-afternoon with the rain hot on it's heels.
"Elsewhere it's a dry end to the day although you may find more clouds across the Irish Sea coast and western fringe of Scotland as we head into the evening.
"Temperatures then 22C in the sunshine, 15C to 17C along the east coast and for Belfast.
"Through Friday night into Saturday morning that's when we'll see the rain making inroads eastwards.
"The winds then pick up on Saturday with blustery showers to follow.
"Winds strengthen even further into Sunday with again a lot of showers, particularly across western Scotland and Northern Ireland.
"We'll see a strong wind, touching gale force in places towards the far north west with lots of showers in the mix. But further south and east there's some fine weather rather than blustery.
"With temperatures reaching 21C but only 14C towards the west.
"It's a windy start to next week again with showers."
This comes as beachgoers were recently stunned by a sudden twister in Pembrokeshire, Wales last week.
The viral clip shared on Instagram showed towels, bags and sunhats swept up into the air as the narrow funnel whipped through the beach.
While such occurrences are rare they do happen with a dust devil spotted in Manchester city centre just last week.
Five day UK weather forecast
Today
Largely dry with some sunshine after a chilly start. Cloud increasing from the west during the afternoon and evening, with a freshening wind. Some rain arriving in the west later too.
Tonight
Rain and cloud spreads eastwards overnight, reaching southeast England by dawn. Low cloud and hill fog likely in the west, with heavy rain at times. Rather breezy, and milder.
Saturday
Rather cloudy on Saturday as early rain clears eastwards, with outbreaks of patchy rain or showers following behind, mainly in the west. Remaining breezy, though feeling rather humid.
Outlook for Sunday to Tuesday
Rain clearing eastwards into Sunday, leaving a mixture of sunny spells and showers, which continue throughout Monday. Further showers or longer spells of rain on Tuesday. Rather windy. Fresher.
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