Strong winds and thunderstorms kick off the bank holiday weekend
The bank holiday weekend is expected to bring unsettled weather to much of the UK, ending a period of heat and drought with heavy showers, thunderstorms and strong winds. The conditions could disrupt travel, camping and outdoor events, while recent rainfall leaves parts of the Midlands and northern England at greater risk of flash flooding.
Saturday is likely to be the wettest and windiest day, with torrential, thundery showers across England and Wales and gusts of 40–50mph on some southern coasts and hills. Sunday should begin dry for many before more showers move in from the west, while Monday will see less intense but more widespread showers and southern gusts of 30–40mph; temperatures are expected to range from 15C to 22C.
- Heavy showers and thunderstorms may disrupt the bank holiday weekend.
- Southern England and Wales face the strongest winds on Saturday.
- Some areas will still have dry, sunny intervals.
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Bank holidays are public holidays when many people in the UK take short breaks, travel to visit family or attend outdoor events. Late August is often one of the busiest weekends for roads, rail services, campsites and visitor attractions before schools return.
Thunderstorms form when warm, moist air rises quickly and can bring sudden heavy rain, lightning, hail and strong gusts of wind. They can be very localised, so nearby places may experience very different conditions.
After a dry spell, hard ground may struggle to absorb intense rainfall quickly, increasing the chance of flash flooding. This is when water builds up rapidly, potentially affecting roads, railways and low-lying areas.