**Bank Holiday Weather: Cooler Temperatures Expected Across UK After Record Highs**
As the UK prepares for the upcoming bank holiday weekend, the Met Office has issued its latest weather forecast, signalling a notable change from the recent burst of summer-like heat. Following Thursday’s scorching highs, when temperatures in parts of the country soared close to 30°C, a period of much cooler and mostly dry weather is expected to settle across the nation.
On Thursday, Kew Gardens in west London recorded temperatures reaching an impressive 29.3°C, marking the hottest day of the year so far. The heatwave saw thousands flocking to beaches and parks to soak up the sun, yet forecasters warn that the weekend will bring a “markedly different” set of conditions.
Met Office meteorologist Craig Snell said that, while rainfall will remain limited for most areas, there will be a “noticeable dip” in temperatures, making the weekend feel considerably fresher. “Temperatures will range from low double figures in the north to the mid-teens in the south, with averages around 10°C in northern Scotland and 15°C or 16°C in southern England,” he explained. “It will certainly feel a good deal cooler.”
Despite the drop in temperature, the strength of May’s sunshine means it could still feel reasonably pleasant when the skies are clear. However, anyone under cloudy spells, particularly in the northern reaches of the country, “will definitely notice the difference,” Snell added. This shift serves as a reminder of the UK’s famously changeable spring weather, keeping residents and holidaymakers alike on their toes.
Looking more closely at the weekend, the forecast suggests that Saturday could see showers in the southern coastal counties, but most regions will experience largely dry conditions interrupted only by the odd spell of rain. “There’s a fair bit of dry weather around, a few spots of rain here and there, but nothing too widespread,” Snell emphasised. This will be welcome news for those hoping to make the most of the long weekend outdoors, as heavy and persistent rain is not expected to disrupt most plans.
Sunday, however, is anticipated to be the cool peak of the weekend, with temperatures dipping to their lowest. For those venturing out, it might be worth packing an extra layer, especially in northern areas. Yet there is some hopeful news for those wishing for warmer conditions – a steady recovery in temperatures looks likely as the bank holiday progresses.
“By the time we get to Monday, we might start to see a recovery in temperatures,” said the Met Office meteorologist. Southern parts of England could see highs of around 16°C, while northern Scotland may still linger at a brisk 12°C. While a return to the week’s earlier heat is unlikely, the gradual warming will provide a more comfortable end to the extended weekend.
This forecast offers a classic example of the UK’s fluctuating spring weather patterns, where a single week can bring searing heat followed by a quick return to cool, fresher conditions. Many will welcome the relief from Thursday’s near-30°C temperatures, especially those sensitive to the sudden heat wave.
It is worth noting that the change in weather poses little threat of significant rainfall, and forecasters have not issued any weather warnings for the weekend. This means that events, gatherings, and short getaways planned for the bank holiday can, for the most part, go ahead with only minor adjustments necessary.
In summary, the upcoming bank holiday is set to be far less hot than the record-breaking Thursday, with temperatures settling back towards average for early May. While beachgoers might need to swap sunscreen for jumpers, the largely dry outlook is a silver lining for those keen to enjoy the break. As ever, the Met Office encourages the public to keep updated with the latest forecasts as conditions can shift rapidly.