Bank holiday weekend to see more thunderstorms and rain

A person walks through heavy rain in Liverpool, UK in a bright blue rain coat carrying an umbrella

ByStav DanaosLead Weather Presenter

Most of the UK is finally getting some rain, in time for the bank holiday weekend.

The weather will remain unsettled across the next few days with showers, longer spells of rain and thunderstorms all likely at times.

By Monday the focus of the wet weather is likely to be across Scotland, with sunny spells developing elsewhere.

The RAC estimates that 20 million trips by car will be made across the weekend in what could be challenging driving conditions.

Map of England showing yellow weather warning area stretching from Hull in the north, to the south Kent coast, then in the east and Newmarket in the west — Image caption,

A yellow weather warning for thunderstorms across eastern areas of England remains in place until 07:00 on Friday

A yellow weather warning issued by the Met Office remains in place for a stretch of eastern England 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 the day 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.

Three maps of the UK depicting Saturday, Sunday and Monday with blue clouds representing rain covering different areas of the map every day — Image caption,

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).

Two people and a dog stroll along the shoreline as the sun sets over the sea — Image caption,

The recent hot summery weather has drawn many to beaches around the UK, such as here in Porth, Cornwall.

Overall, the late August bank holiday weekend looks set to be cooler, windier and wetter than the hot and dry conditions we’ve 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.