More changeable weather likely for bank holiday weekend

26 Apr 2021 03:49 PM

Contrary to some media reports, the early May bank holiday weather is likely to be more changeable than recently, with showers and cool temperatures for most of the UK instead of the clear sunny skies of recent days.

As April draws to a close, cloud and showers will continue to move from northern Scotland south across the country. The showers will persist for many areas through the latter part of the week and into the bank holiday weekend. Central and southern England may see more persistent rainfall on Wednesday and Thursday and there is even a chance there could be some snow over the Scottish mountains.  

Met Office Chief Operational Meteorologist Steven Ramsdale said, “The weather heading into the bank holiday weekend is going to be a little more unsettled than we’ve seen in recent days. There will be rain or showers at times for many, which is likely to be welcomed by many farmers and gardeners after a dry April so far. However, as is the nature of showers, there will also be some good dry and sunny spells so it’s by no means a wash out. Temperatures are likely to remain near to or below the average for the time of year with temperatures by day not expected above 14 or 15°C.” 

These less settled and showery conditions are expected to continue into next week, but with a chance of a spell of more widespread rain and stronger winds, especially across southern parts, early on. Temperatures are likely to remain cool for the time of year.  

The continuing cool temperatures are in keeping with April so far. Although currently April has been colder than March, with above average levels of ground and air frost, it has been a sunny month with sunshine for the UK already (1 – 25th April) 33% above the monthly average with 5 days of the month still to go. A full roundup of April’s statistics will be available at the end of month.