The UK is set for a mixed bag of weather over the bank holiday weekend, with festival-goers and carnival attendees advised to prepare for both sunshine and scattered showers, potentially including hail and thunder. As the Reading Festival concludes and the Notting Hill Carnival gets underway, the forecast indicates a dynamic pattern across the country.
Bank Holiday Weekend Weather Outlook
Sunday’s weather is expected to begin with scattered showers, primarily affecting Scotland and potentially Northern Ireland. These showers are then forecast to spread southwards into England, with some developing into heavier, thundery downpours. This unsettled pattern could impact major events such as the Leeds Festival, Reading Festival, and the Notting Hill Carnival.
While the majority of Sunday might remain dry for some, conditions are predicted to become wetter into the evening, with showers potentially arriving from around 7 or 8 PM. The South East could experience drier conditions initially, but showers are still anticipated by the evening, possibly turning heavy and thundery. Temperatures are expected to hover in the low 20s Celsius across many regions.
Monday is anticipated to bring a drier and brighter end to the long weekend for most. However, some showers will persist, particularly in western areas and across northern Scotland. While these are expected to be less heavy and thundery than those on Sunday, carrying a waterproof item is still advisable for those attending outdoor events.
Specific Event Forecasts
- Reading Festival & Notting Hill Carnival: Occasional showers are possible throughout the day on Sunday, with conditions becoming wetter later in the evening. Monday is expected to be drier and brighter overall, though some showers may still occur.
- Leeds Festival: Early afternoon could see showers developing, with the potential for them to become heavy and thundery.
Despite the unpredictable weather, festival-goers have been seen embracing the conditions, with many pictured in rain ponchos and even frolicking in muddy areas, maintaining good spirits.
Previous Weather Patterns and Context
This forecast follows a period of hot weather across the UK, which has contributed to extremely dry conditions. The Met Office had previously indicated that the UK was on track for one of its hottest summers on record
