As the bank holiday weekend approaches, the UK braces for a mix of rain and wind, though not everyone will be drenched. While the week has felt autumnal with gusty winds and showers, the weather for the long weekend may vary significantly across regions.
According to Sky News weather producer Jo Robinson, the bank holiday weekend will be marked by unsettled weather across much of the country, though some areas will escape the worst of it. The Met Office has issued two yellow weather warnings for rain in south-west Scotland and the Aberdeenshire coast, lasting until 9 a.m. on Friday. Thunderstorms are also possible, with rainfall expected to reach 20-30mm in most areas and potentially 40-50mm in higher regions.
A separate weather warning is in effect until 11 a.m. on Friday for parts of northern England, north Wales, and south-west Scotland, with strong gusts of wind reaching up to 60mph.
As the bank holiday begins, the RAC anticipates a massive surge in travel, with an estimated 19.2 million leisure trips by car throughout the weekend. Friday alone is expected to see 3.2 million drivers on the road. Events like the Reading and Leeds festivals, along with the Creamfields electronic dance festival, are likely to exacerbate traffic congestion.
Saturday may bring some heavy showers in the morning, but southern and eastern England, as well as Wales, are expected to enjoy periods of sunshine mixed with occasional scattered showers. The Met Office predicts more persistent rain in the North and North West, particularly for parts of western Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Temperatures in the South East will hover around 21°C on Saturday and Sunday, with a slight rise to 23°C on Monday, just below seasonal averages.
On Sunday, southern Britain and Ireland will remain mostly dry with sunshine, but the rest of the country will experience more showers or extended rain. It will be cool and blustery, especially in the North.
Bank holiday Monday will likely continue this pattern, with southern and eastern Britain seeing dry and bright weather, while the North and West face increasing winds and cooler temperatures.
Looking ahead, Sky’s Jo Robinson suggests more settled weather is expected towards the end of next week, with the South potentially experiencing very warm or even hot conditions to close out the month.