Temperatures to fall this week after the bank holiday

· BBC Weather
A photo from a weather watcher in Hagley, WorcesterBBC Weather Watchers / Jefferz

ByHelen Willetts
Lead Weather Presenter, Reporting fromBBC Weather Centre
Published

After last week's warmth, the first full week of May is set to see temperatures tumble across the UK.

Temperatures peaked around 25C (77F) in parts of England on Friday, but this week is shaping up to be noticeably cooler.

There is a mixed forecast for this May Bank Holiday.

Scotland started on a frosty note before a passing weather front is set to bring rain to the far north. But the picture is much brighter elsewhere, feeling springlike and pleasantly warm in the sunshine thanks to the strengthening May sun.

Northern Ireland will fare well through the day, staying mostly dry with warm sunny spells.

In England and Wales, where the early patchy fog cleared quickly, cloudier skies are expected to dominate into the afternoon. Where the cloud breaks and sunshine develops across northern parts of England and Wales, it should make it feel warmer than Sunday.

Further south, however, sunshine will be more limited, and there is a greater chance of lively showers developing, with the possibility of an isolated rumble of thunder.

Spring Bank Holiday morning satellite picture

Temperatures take a tumble this week

Early ground frost and pockets of fog make a return this week, but at this time of year it will be short‑lived - worth noting for those who have delicate plants outside.

Again, there will be a bit of everything in the forecast - primarily a lot of dry weather with showers here and there.

Monday night will feel fresher and ground frost is possible, particularly across Scotland and Northern Ireland. Showers will ease for most, although over the highest Munros any lingering showers may fall as snow.

Tuesday will begin on a chilly note, with any early fog soon clearing to leave sunny spells, but also a scattering of showers - most frequent across Scotland, northern England, the Midlands and Wales.

Wednesday will have a colder start with patchy ground frost more widespread. It is also likely to be the coolest day of the week as a gentle northerly flow takes hold. This will otherwise be another day with sunny periods and occasional slow‑moving downpours.

By Thursday, we return to a milder southwesterly wind which will be quite brisk in the northwest close to low pressure. This will bring some steady rain to Scotland, but probably only a few showery bursts of rain to most other parts, but this will mean more widespread showers.

On Friday, that low pressure is expected to clear away and leave the UK in a col, or neutral weather zone, with neither high or low pressure in charge. This will not stop showers developing here and there, though.

For the weekend, the weather charts are hinting at low pressure approaching the southern half of the UK and a chance of much-needed rain.

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