Met Office weather forecast: Weather warning in place for bank holiday weekend

It has been a promising start to the bank holiday weekend for most but the sunshine is not set to last according to the Met Office. The UK’s national weather service has put a weather warning in place for most of Sunday (May 26) covering a large part of the country.

The yellow thunderstorm alert covers a large portion of England stretching almost as far as Middlesbrough in the north and as far south as Milton Keynes. The warning states: “Slow-moving heavy showers and thunderstorms may cause flooding and disruption in places.”

The thundery conditions are predicted to last from around midday on Sunday until as late as 8pm, ruling out outdoor activities for most of the day. 

Even outside of the weather warning, showers have been predicted as early as Saturday afternoon (May 25) with the UK lying “between weather systems” according to the Met Office and despite the bright start for many, “cloud and outbreaks of rain will move into East Anglia, Lincolnshire and south west England” with a few showers developing elsewhere.

Again on Sunday, it will be a mix of sunshine and showers with some of the showers heavy and thundery. A spokesperson for the Met Office said: “The far north will be drier but often rather cloudy. Temperatures generally around average, with light to moderate winds.”

More of the same for Monday too, the spokesperson added: “Low pressure generally remaining in charge, although a ridge of high pressure will move into western areas throughout the day. A continuation of sunshine and showers for many, although some western areas turning drier into the afternoon. Temperatures remaining near average, but tending to feel warm in any prolonged spells of sunshine.

Met Office yellow weather warning - what to Expect

The Met Office has issues the following advice to anyone affected by tomorrow's yellow weather warning for thunderstorms:

• Spray and sudden flooding could lead to difficult driving conditions and some road closures
• There is a small chance that homes and businesses could be flooded quickly, with damage to some buildings from floodwater and lightning strikes
• There is a small chance that some communities become temporarily cut off by flooded roads
• Where flooding or lightning strikes occur, there is a chance of delays and some cancellations to train and bus services
• There is a slight chance that power cuts could occur and other services to some homes and businesses could be lost

Advice for staying safe in a thunderstorm includes checking if your home is at risk of flooding and be prepared if it is, avoid driving if possible but take extra care if it's unavoidable, avoid going near flood water as it can pose a number of risks, prepare for power cuts by having torches, battery candles and a mobile phone power pack to hand and secure loose items such as bins, plant pots, garden furniture and trampolines, which could cause injury in high winds.