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The Independent
24-05-2025
- Climate
- The Independent
What is the weather doing this Bank Holiday weekend?
The UK is set for a wetter end to the final week of spring with rain expected across the country over the bank holiday weekend, ending a 30-day dry spell in some areas. Met Office meteorologist Becky Mitchell noted that some parts of the country haven't had rain in about 30 days, so the change is perhaps welcome rain for some areas. Heavy rain will arrive from the west on Friday night, affecting the entire country, with temperatures dropping to average for this time of year and wind making it feel cooler. Heavy showers are expected on Saturday, particularly in the north, with 5 to 10mm of rainfall in most areas and up to 25 to 30mm in western Scotland; another band of heavy rain will move in from the west on Saturday evening, clearing eastwards on Sunday morning, accompanied by heavy winds potentially reaching 50mph in northern areas. Deputy Chief meteorologist David Oliver said that the strong winds will continue on Sunday as an area of low pressure passes the northwest of the UK, with blustery showers expected. Drier conditions will be returning after June 2.


Wales Online
23-05-2025
- Climate
- Wales Online
Met Office gives verdict on the weather this half term and many won't be happy
Met Office gives verdict on the weather this half term and many won't be happy Any half term outdoor fun you have planned could well be disrupted by heavy rain showers There is plenty of rain expected this bank holiday weekend - and half term doesn't look like it will be much better (Image: Met Office ) We may have been lucky enough to enjoy weeks of sunshine this spring, but things look set to change as the May half term begins. While those whose gardens are in desperate need of some water might be pleased to hear that there will be plenty of rain on the way, those who were hoping to get outside with the children might be less impressed. While Friday has started off dry with plenty of sunshine, heavy showers have been forecasted for the evening, when a new weather system arrives. This unsettled weather is only set to continue over the bank holiday weekend, which looks like it could be filled with dry patches disturbed with plenty of heavy rain showers. Find out where and when it is going to rain most in Wales this weekend here. On Saturday, the forecast for Wales states: "A mixture of brighter spells and scattered, blustery showers, these heaviest and most frequent in the north. "Particularly windy along the coasts, but remaining warm and rather humid for many. Maximum temperature 17C." For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here From Sunday to Tuesday, the weather is described as "changeable". Article continues below Again, there will be dry interludes that will be disrupted by "scattered, blustery showers". It is also expected to feel fresher than it has done in recent days. The half-term week looks set to be a more unsettled period than of late, with further frontal systems running into the UK, bringing rain to many areas at times, but also some drier spells in between. Temperatures will probably be close to average, perhaps slightly above at times, but will feel fairly cool in the often strong winds. Deputy chief meteorologist David Oliver said the reason for the "big change" in weather conditions over the next few days is because the high pressure that has been dominant for much of the last few weeks is moving eastwards. He said: "We'll see a change in conditions this weekend as weather systems move in from the Atlantic. Article continues below "These will bring rain and windier conditions from the west later Friday, which will spread across the whole of the UK on Saturday. "Some heavy rain is expected, especially in the northwest later on Saturday when winds will also strengthen, bringing a risk of coastal gales in the north."


The Independent
23-05-2025
- Climate
- The Independent
UK weather: Met Office warns of heavy rain over Bank Holiday weekend before temperatures soar to 23C
Britons hoping for a sunny Bank Holiday weekend might be sorely disappointed as forecasters warn of heavy rain, strong winds and colder temperatures across the UK - but next week temperatures are set to soar. and the driest start to the season seen for nearly six decades, the Met Office said the weather in the UK is finally turning this week. The forecaster said the country has already seen the end to the long dry spell, with rain hitting the south on Wednesday. Met Office meteorologist Dean Hall said even single and multicell thunderstorms broke out across parts of the West Midlands, South East England and central southern England. Meanwhile, Saturday, Sunday and Monday are expected to see a 'marked change in weather type', with many areas seeing rain or showers and more unsettled conditions, which are predicted to remain into next week. It comes as the high pressure that has been dominant for much of the last few weeks is expected to finally move away eastwards this weekend, as Deputy Chief meteorologist David Oliver explained: 'We'll see a change in conditions this weekend as weather systems move in from the Atlantic. 'These will bring rain and windier conditions from the west later Friday, which will spread across the whole of the UK on Saturday. Some heavy rain is expected, especially in the northwest later on Saturday when winds will also strengthen, bringing a risk of coastal gales in the north. 'These strong winds will continue on Sunday as an area of low pressure passes the northwest of the UK. Blustery showers are expected on Sunday, which will be heaviest and most frequent in the northwest. Conversely, the south and southeast may well see a good deal of dry weather. Wind will be a watchpoint for Sunday, especially across Scotland where there is some uncertainty on the exact track of the low and its associated wind speeds, so keep up-to-date with the forecast as it evolves over the coming days.' The 'unsettled' weather continue into Bank Holiday Monday, according to the Met Office, with a mix of blustery showers and bright spells set to hit the UK. Some Britons are warned to brace for heavy and thundery showers in places, especially in parts of the northwest. Temperatures, meanwhile, are forecast to be near or a little below average, which will feel rather cool when compared to the balmy weather in recent weeks. And next week is also set for more 'unsettled' conditions, with many areas warned of rain but mixed with drier spells. However, Britons can expect a hot half-term week, with temperature climbing to above average. Some parts of the south of the country are forecast to enjoy 23C at times. The Met Office added that temperatures will likely remain close to average. And Friday is expected to be 'mostly fine' before the weekend brings its expected wet and windy weather. 'A real change from what we've become used to so far this spring,' Met Office meteorologist Alex Burkill said.


Metro
22-05-2025
- Climate
- Metro
Will the UK be hit by a tornado this bank holiday weekend?
The weather has taken a bit of a turn for the worse this week with heavy and thundery showers recorded yesterday. The Met Office even warned that the south east of England could have been hit by a funnel cloud or tornado yesterday. Met Office meteorologist Alex Burkill said it was 'not out of the question that we could see a funnel cloud, maybe even a brief tornado across parts of the South East'. While there have been no reports of tornadoes or funnel clouds across the UK, the Met Office gave its verdict as to whether there will be any this bank holiday weekend. A spokesperson for the Met Office, told Metro: 'There is a change coming in the UK weather this weekend, with more mobility from the west bringing fresher conditions, as well as rain and some windy weather. 'This means the chance of any funnel cloud or small scale tornadoes diminishes, so no risk over the bank holiday weekend.' So the short answer is no. But there have been tornadoes recorded in the UK previously. According to the Met Office, around 30 tornadoes are recorded in the UK each year. These tend to be small and short-lived, but they can cause structural damage if they pass over built-up areas. Tornadoes can occur across the world,d but they are most common across North America. 'Tornado Valley' in the centre of the US is most prone to violent and large tornadoes. These are caused when warm air from the Gulf of Mexico meets cold air from Canada which form powerful storms called supercells and when the conditions are right tornadoes are formed. David Oliver from the Met Office explained that the high pressure will move away eastwards this weekend. More Trending He said: 'These will bring rain and windier conditions from the west later Friday, which will spread across the whole of the UK on Saturday. Some heavy rain is expected, especially in the northwest later on Saturday when winds will also strengthen, bringing a risk of coastal gales in the north. 'These strong winds will continue on Sunday as an area of low pressure passes the northwest of the UK. 'Blustery showers are expected on Sunday, which will be heaviest and most frequent in the northwest.' While it is expected to be windy, on the plus side, temperatures will be broadly average for the time of year, around 18°C to 20°C across the country. Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ For more stories like this, check our news page. MORE: Map shows scale of flooding across southern France which left three people dead MORE: 'Merit's The Uniform Tinted SPF 50 is the everyday skin staple you didn't know you needed' MORE: 9 best BBQs and pizza ovens from Dunelm ideal for this bank holiday weekend


The Independent
22-05-2025
- Climate
- The Independent
UK weather: Met Office warns of heavy rain, strong winds and thunder over Bank Holiday weekend
Britons hoping for a sunny Bank Holiday weekend might be sorely disappointed as forecasters warn of heavy rain, strong winds and colder temperatures across the UK, with thunder even set to hit some places. Following one of the warmest springs on record and the driest start to the season seen for nearly six decades, the Met Office said the weather in the UK is finally turning this week. The forecaster said the country has already seen the end to the long dry spell, with rain hitting the south on Wednesday. Met Office meteorologist Dean Hall said even single and multicell thunderstorms broke out across parts of the West Midlands, South East England and central southern England. Meanwhile, Saturday, Sunday and Monday are expected to see a 'marked change in weather type', with many areas seeing rain or showers and more unsettled conditions, which are predicted to remain into next week. It comes as the high pressure that has been dominant for much of the last few weeks is expected to finally move away eastwards this weekend, as Deputy Chief meteorologist David Oliver explained: 'We'll see a change in conditions this weekend as weather systems move in from the Atlantic. 'These will bring rain and windier conditions from the west later Friday, which will spread across the whole of the UK on Saturday. Some heavy rain is expected, especially in the northwest later on Saturday when winds will also strengthen, bringing a risk of coastal gales in the north. 'These strong winds will continue on Sunday as an area of low pressure passes the northwest of the UK. Blustery showers are expected on Sunday, which will be heaviest and most frequent in the northwest. Conversely, the south and southeast may well see a good deal of dry weather. Wind will be a watchpoint for Sunday, especially across Scotland where there is some uncertainty on the exact track of the low and its associated wind speeds, so keep up-to-date with the forecast as it evolves over the coming days.' The 'unsettled' weather continue into Bank Holiday Monday, according to the Met Office, with a mix of blustery showers and bright spells set to hit the UK. Some Britons are warned to brace for heavy and thundery showers in places, especially in parts of the northwest. Temperatures, meanwhile, are forecast to be near or a little below average, which will feel rather cool when compared to the balmy weather in recent weeks. And next week is also set for more 'unsettled' conditions, with many areas warned of rain but mixed with drier spells. However, Britons can expect a hot half-term week, with temperature climbing to above average. Some parts of the south of the country are forecast to enjoy 23C at times. The Met Office added that temperatures will likely remain close to average. And Friday is expected to be 'mostly fine' before the weekend brings its expected wet and windy weather. 'A real change from what we've become used to so far this spring,' Met Office meteorologist Alex Burkill said.