UK weather forecast: Met Office predictions for local elections as thousands head to polling stations to cast vote

The local elections are well underway across England, Wales and Scotland as the Met Office predicts highs of 13 degrees in the South East.

Despite the chilly start to the day – it doesn't look like the weather will be keeping people indoors across England but meanwhile Scotland is predicted thunder and hail.

Polling stations have opened across Great Britain, with council seats, mayoral offices and Police and Crime Commissioner positions up for grabs all over the country.

As well as local government elections, devolved parliamentary elections will also be taking place in Scotland and Wales on the same date.

There is also a parliamentary by-election taking place in Hartlepool, after the sitting Labour MP, Mike Hill, resigned earlier this year.

Although it was a cold start across the nations – with rain and thunder predicted for Scotland – most of England will see scattered showers and sun throughout the day.

In the north of England – including the North East and Yorkshire – temperatures will reach highs of 11 degrees – with risks of hail and thunder, and some snow is expected across the Pennines and near the Derbyshire Peaks.

In the Midlands and the South East – voters woke up to a cold and frosty start with patchy clouds but the day has lengthy sunny spells in store as political parties await their fate.

In Wales, showers are gradually clearing further up north with a brighter outlook this afternoon.

Met Office local election forecast update

Scotland

Seasonally cool with northerly breezes. Rather cloudy with showers, these wintry to low levels initially, also heavy at times, bringing a risk of hail and thunder, particularly during the afternoon across southern areas. Maximum Temperature 11 °C.

Northampton

Rather cloudy at times with scattered showers, although these will be intersprered with bright or sunny spells. The showers will be heavy in places, with a risk of hail and thunder, and some snow is possible over the Derbyshire Peaks. Maximum Temperature 12 °C.

Sheffield

A cold and frosty start, but largely sunny. However, cloud and showers will develop through the day. These will be heavy at times, with a risk of hail and thunder, and some snow is possible over the Pennines. Maximum Temperature 11 °C.

Portsmouth

A chilly start, but generally dry and bright. However, patchy cloud will increase through the morning, bringing scattered showers, some of which will be heavy. Maximum Temperature 13 °C.

North East

A cold, frosty start, but largely sunny. However, cloud and showers will develop through the day. These will be heavy at times, with a risk of hail and thunder, and some snow is possible over the Pennines and Cheviot hills. Maximum Temperature 11 °C.

Bristol

A cloudy start along the south coast with rain fringing the southwest. Brighter in the north with sunny spells and some scattered showers. Through afternoon lengthy sunny spells develop from the north with the chance of the odd blustery shower. Maximum Temperature 13 °C.

Wales

A cold start with sunny spells and scattered showers developing through the morning. Showers gradually clearing for most and becoming confined to northern areas during afternoon. Feeling cold with a notable breeze. Maximum Temperature 13 °C.

‘Persistent rain’

Forecasters say the wet weather is expected to continue in most areas into the weekend.

For the rest of the week, rainfall will be rather hefty in some places, with as much as 5-10mm falling in just an hour in the worst-affected spots.

Heavy downpours will then lash the country on Saturday.

Alex Burkill, a Met Office forecaster, told the PA news agency: “Most areas will be affected by heavy and persistent rain and strong winds over the weekend.

“Sunday should be drier for most, with some showers in places, but in the south-east of England, temperatures could climb into the low twenties by the afternoon.

“People should make the most of any dry or sunny spots, as it is unlikely to last and the rest of May will be unsettled and changeable for everyone.”

The Met Office has put this down to an area of low pressure and a jet stream above the UK, causing unsettled, wetter and cooler conditions.

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