Met Office warns of thunderstorms ahead of August bank holiday
Meteorologist Annie Shuttleworth has warned there is a "change on the way throughout next week," with conditions "becoming more unsettled" for the final week of August.
The Met Office has issued its latest forecast for the August bank holiday, with rain and thunderstorms expected to hit parts of the UK.
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It comes after a summer of repeated heatwaves, with temperatures regularly soaring above 35C.
But the weather has taken a turn in recent days, with heavy rain sweeping across large parts of the country and temperatures falling sharply.
Earlier this week, the Met Office issued multiple thunderstorm warnings and power cut alerts.
Bank holiday forecast
Met Office meteorologist Annie Shuttleworth has warned there is a "change on the way throughout next week," with conditions "becoming more unsettled" for the final week of August.
"It's looking like it's going to stick around for much of the bank holiday."
Saturday's temperatures are expected to reach highs of around 22C, with light rain showers arriving from around 2pm, with thunderstorms could continue into the night before potentially returning early on Monday afternoon.
Saturday's temperatures are expected to reach highs of around 22C, with light rain showers arriving from around 2pm, with thunderstorms could continue into the night before potentially returning early on Monday afternoon.
It read: "Most places are likely to see some rain or showers, particularly during the second half of next week, and these may be heavy with a risk of hail and thunder. It may become breezy if not windy at times too."
A return to warmer temperatures?
The start of next week is expected to be largely dry for many areas as high pressure briefly builds.
Temperatures should then begin to recover, rising back above average by Tuesday and Wednesday, although they are expected to remain well below heatwave levels.
But there is less certainty over what lies ahead as the week progresses.
Forecast models broadly agree that low pressure is likely to be close to the UK by late August, although there is still uncertainty over exactly where it will track and how quickly it will arrive.
Some forecasts suggest the wettest weather could stay in the west, while others point to more widespread rainfall across the UK.
Looking to September's weather forecast
For those hoping to see temperatures climb again in September, there could be some better news.
The Met Office's long-range forecast for September 5 to 19 says temperatures are expected to remain around average for the time of year, although some hotter spells could develop in the south.
Many areas could still see showers and thunderstorms before drier weather returns later in the month.
The forecast reads: "Most likely changeable at first with showers or longer spells of rain across many areas, perhaps heavy and thundery in places. However, there may still be some drier interludes at times."
For Thursday 27 Aug - Saturday 5 Sep, the Met Office said: "A relatively unsettled start to this period, as showers or longer spells of rain are possible across many parts of the UK. Some heavy bursts and thunderstorms are likely at times. It will likely remain changeable into early September, with rainfall amounts probably above average for the time year and the potential for some stronger winds at times.“
“However, some drier, more settled interludes could develop at times. Temperatures are likely to be near average, although some short-lived warm or hot spells are possible, especially in the south."