UK weather: thunderstorms and rain forecast for bank holiday weekend

Most of the UK is finally getting some rain, in time for the bank holiday weekend.

The weather will remain unsettled across the next few days with showers, longer spells of rain and thunderstorms all likely at times.

By Monday the focus of the wet weather is likely to be across Scotland, with sunny spells developing elsewhere.

The RAC estimates that 20 million trips by car will be made across the weekend in what could be challenging driving conditions.

Friday could see heavy downpours and more thunderstorms

Showers and longer spells of rain will continue to affect the UK on Friday, with heavy downpours and thunderstorms possible, especially across western Scotland, Wales and north-west England.

Some of this wet weather could spread east later, with thunderstorms possible across north-east England and eastern Scotland.

After the recent warm and humid conditions, temperatures by Friday will feel fresher.

Expect around 20–23C (68 -73F) in England and Wales, and 16–20C (61-68F) in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

These temperatures are around average for late August.

Continuing risk of thunderstorms with more rain for Saturday, Sunday and Monday

Saturday will remain unsettled, with sunny spells mixed with heavy showers and possible thunderstorms, particularly across England and Wales.

Fresh westerly winds will make it feel blustery, with highs of 18-22C (64-72F) in England and Wales and 16-19C (61-66F) further north.

Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday - for England and Wales - will stay changeable, with further heavy showers, longer spells of rain and a risk of thunderstorms once again.

Monday is likely to be wettest across Scotland, while England and Wales can expect a mix of sunshine and showers before further rain moves in from the west.

Stronger winds are also possible across southern parts of the UK, with temperatures generally ranging from 16C to 23C (61-73F).

Why are there no thunderstorms showing on my app?

No September heatwave currently in sight

Overall, the late August bank holiday weekend looks set to be cooler, windier and wetter than the hot and dry conditions we've experienced for much of this record-breaking summer.

There will still be some pleasant sunny spells between showers, with temperatures potentially reaching the low 20s in the south-east.

However, with low pressure remaining close to the UK, there is currently little sign of a return to prolonged hot and settled weather.

The outlook for early September suggests further changeable conditions, with a mixture of sunshine and showers and temperatures generally close to or slightly below average.

Whatever your plans for the weekend, you can keep up to date with the forecast by checking the BBC Weather website and app .