Will there be storms this weekend? Bank Holiday forecast after UK doused by rain

A thunderstorm weather warning is in place on Saturday, with the Bank Holiday weekend set to be a wash-out as heavy rain and showers are forecast across the UK .

Following what was one of the driest summers to date, several days of rain and strong winds are forecast for the long weekend.

Unsettled conditions are expected in England and Wales all day on Saturday, with risks of thunderstorms in some areas by the afternoon.

The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning, stretching from south-west England and parts of Wales across the Midlands to the east of England from midday to 9pm on Saturday.

Some places could see 15-25 mm of rain in an hour, and 30 mm in two to three hours, with hail and lightning additional hazards, the weather agency said.

Despite the rain, temperatures are forecast to stay in the high teens across England and Wales, while Edinburgh is set to see sunny intervals and temperatures hitting 19C.

Met Office meteorologist Aidan McGivern said: “With the gusty winds in the south, it’s going to feel cool even as the brighter skies appear in between the downpours.

“It will be pleasant in central and southern Scotland in between the rain bands and with lighter winds.”

The Met Office has forecast up to 95 per cent rain coverage in London, Manchester and Cardiff on Saturday.

Following a mild night, Sunday will begin with a strong breeze in the south, with heavy showers and possible thunderstorms across the UK throughout the day.

London is expected to see light rain in the early afternoon, while Manchester and Cardiff could see heavy rain for most of the day.

But the weather is set to brighten up with sunny interludes on Monday in London, with a few showers in the afternoon. According to the Met Office, the capital and parts of the South will enjoy highs of 22C and sunshine.

Cardiff could also see a sunnier afternoon on Monday after downpours in the morning, with more rain forecast in Manchester and Scotland.

Wet and briefly windy conditions spread northeast, followed by a spell of heavy showers and thunderstorms. Central and northern Scotland remain largely dry with variable cloud. Temperatures will be close to average, with brighter intervals developing in places later today.