UK weather: Wet weather eases on first weekend of lockdown easing

22 May 2021, 08:39

Wet weather will be easing for the first weekend of lockdown relaxations
Wet weather will be easing for the first weekend of lockdown relaxations. Picture: PA

By Kate Buck

Slighter brighter weather is on its way for the first weekend of lockdown easing after a week of rain and storms across the UK.

The Met Office has predicted some respite from heavy downpours and gale-force winds on Saturday, though temperatures are still set to be low for the time of year.

Heavy rain in the South West - which could see new rainfall records set for May in Devon and Wales - will be replaced by lighter, patchier showers on Saturday with longer dry spells.

Read more: Whipsnade Zoo staff euthanise two brown bears after they escape their enclosure

Daytime temperatures are predicted to be in the mid-single figures for much of the UK over the first weekend that people in England have been able to meet in larger groups outside, and outdoor events resumed.

Some northern regions in Scotland could also see frost on Saturday and Sunday morning.

Forecasters have said northern Scotland and Northern Ireland are likely to see the best of the sunshine on Sunday.

Met Office meteorologist Annie Shuttleworth said more settled springtime weather is predicted for the following week.

She added: "We're pointing towards seeing things settling down from the middle of next week onwards, particularly in the south.

Heavy rain in the South West - which could see new rainfall records set for May in Devon and Wales - will be replaced by lighter, patchier showers on Saturday with longer dry spells
Heavy rain in the South West - which could see new rainfall records set for May in Devon and Wales - will be replaced by lighter, patchier showers on Saturday with longer dry spells. Picture: PA

"There is a good deal of uncertainty in the forecast, but we're hoping by the end of May we will have much drier and settled weather across the UK."

She said the long-term forecast suggests June will be much drier than May.

"The most likely scenario at the moment is looking like predominantly dry weather, at quite a contrast to what we've seen with the wet weather in May, so that would be an improvement," she added.

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

One child was taken to hospital for further treatment after a reported "tear gas attack" at a Berlin school.

‘Tear gas attack’ at Berlin school leaves more than 30 children injured

JLS singer Aston Merrygold was taken to hospital in an ambulance.

JLS star Aston Merrygold shocks fans with picture in stretcher in back of ambulance

Sara Burack, reality star and luxury real estate agent, was known for her appearance on Netflix's Million Dollar House

Netflix star Sara Burack killed in Hamptons hit-and-run as police launch manhunt for driver

.

Palestine Action 'to be banned' after breaking into RAF Brize Norton and damaging military aircraft

Chris Wreh of Tamworth battles with Radu Dragusin of Tottenham Hotspur during the Emirates FA Cup Third Round match

Man given three-year banning order for racist abuse of Tamworth’s Chris Wreh

Fergus Ewing has quit the SNP after more than half a century of involvement.

SNP urged to put independence on backburner for 10 years

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gives a statement during a visit to the site of the Weizmann Institute of Science, which was hit by missiles fired from Iran, in the central city of Rehovot on Friday, June 20, 2025. (Jack Guez/Pool Photo via AP)

Iran launches fresh wave of missile strikes on Israel - as UK withdraws embassy staff from Tehran

.

Counter terror police investigating after pro-Palestinian protesters damage aircraft in break-in at RAF Brize Norton

Jack Draper celebrates victory against Brandon Nakashima on day twelve of the HSBC Championships at The Queen's Club

Jack Draper clinches important Wimbledon seeding by reaching Queen’s semi-finals

Muhammad Qasim's BMW was being followed by a marked police car on Island Road in Handsworth, West Midlands, when he failed to negotiate a left-hand bend and crashed into a tree.

Police driving expert has ‘no criticism’ of officer’s driving skills after car he was following crashed into tree, killing driver

Pharrell Garcia, 15, suffered a single stab wound to the heart.

Teenager locked up for stabbing school friend to death 'by accident' in east London park

Wasif Hussain (left), 21, and his wife Nabela Tabassum, 19, who were jailed for 15 years and nine years, respectively,

Couple who wore Poundland animal masks during attempted murder jailed

Police launch murder probe after man in his 40s shot dead outside Costco superstore

Police launch murder probe after man in his 40s shot dead near Costco superstore

Sinner said: “I am very happy and honoured to be part of this project with Andrea"

World number one tennis player Jannik Sinner to release duet with Andrea Bocelli

'Ready to serve': Meet one of the UK's youngest mayors driving change in her community

Young people just aren’t seeing the right leaders, says one of the UK’s youngest mayors aged just 29

The 'Swan Whisperer' was handed a two-year ban from Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens

Fowl Play: ‘Swan whisperer’ banned from Hyde Park after hugging and kissing protected birds