The UK Is Set for an Unsettled Bank Holiday Weekend, With Showers, Longer Spells of Rain and Thunderstorms Likely Across the Country

Most of the UK is finally seeing some rain in time for the weekend, and the wet weather is expected to continue through Monday. A yellow weather warning for thunderstorms across eastern areas of England remains in place until 07:00 BST on Friday. People in this area could see frequent lightning, hail and strong, gusty winds in addition to heavy rain.

For the rest of Friday, expect showers and longer spells of rain, with heavy downpours and thunderstorms possible, especially across western Scotland, Wales and north-west England. Some of this wet weather could spread east later, with thunderstorms possible across north-east England and eastern Scotland. After the recent warm and humid conditions, temperatures by Friday will feel fresher.

Expect around 20–23C (68-73F) in England and Wales, and 16–20C (61-68F) in Scotland and Northern Ireland. These temperatures are around average for late August. Saturday will remain unsettled, with sunny spells mixed with heavy showers and possible thunderstorms, particularly across England and Wales.

Fresh westerly winds will make it feel blustery, with highs of 18-22C (64-72F) in England and Wales and 16-19C (61-66F) further north. Rain is in the forecast for every day over the bank holiday weekend. Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday - for England and Wales - will stay changeable, with further heavy showers, longer spells of rain and a risk of thunderstorms once again.

Monday is likely to be wettest across Scotland, while England and Wales can expect a mix of sunshine and showers before further rain moves in from the west. Stronger winds are also possible across southern parts of the UK, with temperatures generally ranging from 16C to 23C (61-73F). The RAC estimates that 20 million trips by car will be made across the weekend in what could be challenging driving conditions.

Overall, the late August bank holiday weekend looks set to be cooler, windier and wetter than the hot and dry conditions experienced for much of this record-breaking summer. There will still be some pleasant sunny spells between showers, with temperatures potentially reaching the low 20s in the south-east. However, with low pressure remaining close to the UK, there is currently little sign of a return to prolonged hot and settled weather.

The outlook for early September suggests further changeable conditions, with a mixture of sunshine and showers and temperatures generally close to or slightly below average. Whatever your plans for the weekend, you can keep up to date with the forecast by checking the BBC Weather website and app.