UK to be hit by rain, gales and thunderstorms as temperatures drop

Britain is set to be hit by heavy downpours and gales this weekend as temperatures plummet.

An “unseasonably deep” low-pressure system is moving south from Scandinavia bringing rain, thunderstorms and strong winds across the country, according to the Met Office.

It comes just days after Prime Minister Boris Johnson urged the public not to gather with others indoors as the weather worsens.

Last month’s hot weather saw crowds of people flock to beaches and beauty spots across the UK ahead of – and after – lockdown restrictions being eased in England, allowing socially distanced groups of up to six people to meet outside.

During the last several weeks, sunseekers basked in highs of 29C (84.2F) as England had its driest May on record and the UK its sunniest calendar month with 266 hours of sunshine – beating June 1957, when there was 265 hours of sun.

The forecast for Saturday and Sunday is a stark contrast to those clear skies and sizzling temperatures as the weather becomes more unsettled.

Met Office forecaster John Griffiths said: “The weekend will begin wet for many, with the heaviest showers over northern and east England by lunchtime.