Met Office confirms Easter weekend forecast as month’s worth of rain hits in single day – but will sunshine return?
THE Met Office has confirmed its forecast for the Easter weekend after Britain was battered by heavy rain warnings today.
Flood warnings are in force across England and Wales as heavy showers are predicted over the course of the next few days.
The Met Office says in its outlook for Friday to Sunday this week that conditions are “remaining changeable as we move into the Easter weekend”.
It adds that temperatures will “remain average” but further spells of rain are “likely,” especially across western areas.
But it’s not all bad news, with “some sunnier intervals also expected”.
Just this morning, the Met Office reported that parts of Devon and Cornwall have seen close to a whole month’s worth of rain in just one day.
These showers will continue to move across the country over the next few days with places like Dartmoor seeing around 70mm of rainfall.
The west and north are expected to experience the wettest conditions – as Scotland and northern England see frost developing in some parts.
Thursday will begin to feel a little warmer but rain will continue to fall from Friday to Sunday.
With many looking forward to the bank holiday weekend, the Met Office has warned of changeable weather conditions causing “more difficult travelling conditions”.
Drivers are urged to plan ahead as an estimated 6.2 million people hit the slippery roads – causing potential havoc across the UK.
Deputy Chief Meteorologist Steven Skeates warned: “The Easter weekend is set to bring changeable weather for many.
“Some areas may experience near dry conditions all weekend, whilst others may see heavy rain.
“We are keeping a close eye on an area of low pressure which sinks away to the south on Friday.
“This could bring with it some heavy, and possibly even disruptive rain for parts of southwest England, and also parts of Northern Ireland and south Wales.
“This will bring the potential for some difficult travelling conditions, with a lot of spray on the roads, and it’s important people keep an eye on our forecast as things evolve over the coming day or so.”
It is set to be the busiest Easter for road users since 2022 when Brits had just come out of lockdown, according to the RAC.
Research suggests that holiday seekers will face severe traffic on Thursday, Friday and Sunday around this upcoming break.
Drivers are estimated to plan around 2.7 million trips every day during this busy period.
The number of trips will slightly drop on Easter Sunday to 2.5 million, before jumping up again to a further 2.7 million on Bank Holiday Monday when millions are set to return home.
The Bank Holiday Monday will come just before many schools open up again to signal the new term.
On Thursday April 17, the best time to set off would be before 12pm, while the worst time to leave would be between 2pm and 7pm.
On Good Friday, motorists have been told to leave home before 10am, and the heaviest traffic is expected between then and 5pm.
The best time to leave the following day, Saturday April 19, will be before 10:30am or after 2pm, while the worst time to travel is expected to be between 11am and 1pm.
RAC breakdown spokesperson Alice Simpson said: “If the heavy rain expected in the westcountry and south Wales on Good Friday becomes a reality, many drivers may have their journeys disrupted as they set off for day trips and long weekends.
“It’s vital to plan ahead and be prepared for trips to take longer because of the wet weather and the expected getaway congestion.
“With an estimated 6.2 million people undecided exactly when they’ll travel, the big question is whether any sign of sun leads to big jams on a single day.
“Whatever happens, it’s wise to travel as early as possible or later in the day when most of the traffic has eased.”