Thunderstorms and showers possible this weekend as low pressure moves in

The UK is set for a weekend of contrasts, with warm sunshine giving way to a growing risk of showers and thunderstorms, according to the Met Office.

High pressure will remain in charge on Friday and into Saturday, bringing largely settled weather with plenty of sunshine and rising temperatures across much of the country.

However, conditions are expected to turn more unsettled by Saturday night, with low pressure moving in from the continent bringing the risk of heavy downpours and isolated thunderstorms, particularly in western parts of the UK.

Warm and settled start

Friday will see widespread sunshine, with warmer temperatures than earlier in the week due to lighter winds and reduced cloud cover. Highs of up to 22°C are expected in parts of Wales and the Midlands.

Overnight, skies will remain clear for many, allowing temperatures to fall sharply. An air frost is possible in rural areas of eastern and southern Scotland, Northern Ireland and northern England.

Saturday will start on a bright and dry note for most, with more sunshine and highs climbing into the low 20s. Eastern Wales, the Midlands, East Anglia and southern England could see the warmest conditions, with temperatures peaking at 24°C. The far northwest of Scotland may be the exception, where a weak weather front could bring patchy cloud and light showers.

Storm risk grows by Sunday

A notable shift in conditions is forecast from Saturday night into Sunday, as low pressure begins to nudge in from the south.

While most areas will stay dry overnight, cloud will begin to build in the southwest, with the potential for rain and isolated thunderstorms developing in the early hours of Sunday. The risk will gradually extend into parts of Wales, southern England and Northern Ireland as the system tracks northwards.

Dan Harris, Deputy Chief Meteorologist at the Met Office, said: “From Saturday night into Sunday morning, there is an increasing chance of rain, showers and isolated thunderstorms moving northwards across the southwest of the UK. As we continue through Sunday and into Monday, this will extend to other western parts of Great Britain and into Northern Ireland too.”

“On Monday itself, we could see some particularly vigorous thunderstorms developing, most likely in Wales and parts of southern England.”

Should these storms materialise, they could bring 25-35mm of rain in as little as an hour, with the risk of localised surface water flooding. Hail, lightning and strong gusts of wind are also possible.

Temperatures on the rise

Despite the risk of showers, many parts of the UK will continue to experience warm and humid conditions. Highs of 26–27°C are possible on Sunday and Monday in areas that remain in sunshine and avoid the cloud.

Looking ahead

By Tuesday, the risk of showers will be largely confined to the far south of England. High pressure is expected to regain control midweek, bringing another spell of dry, settled weather for much of the country. Sunny skies and warm temperatures look likely to continue well into the week.

The Met Office advises the public to stay informed by checking the latest forecasts and any weather warnings that may be issued over the weekend.