Sunshine this weekend? Don’t bank on it

TWO weeks ago, the nation was slapping on the sun cream. This time, however, we are just as likely to be reaching for our winter woollies.

After record-breaking heat at Easter, Britons have been warned to expect a chilly feel to this bank holiday weekend.

Temperatures in many areas could only just reach double figures, with the chance of sharp frosts and wintry showers.

Forecasters predict an east-west divide, with sunshine and showers in the East and fine conditions elsewhere. Even the South may struggle to reach 12C ( 4F) over the weekend. In the North East, a maximum of 9C (48F) is likely tomorrow, rising to 10C ( 0F) on Sunday. The daytime average for the start of May is around 16C (61F).

Frosts are possible in parts of the Pennines and Welsh mountains, where temperatures could fall as low as -3C (27F) tonight and tomorrow night. Higher overnight temperatures of 3C to C (37-41F) are forecast elsewhere. The chilly weather is being caused by an area of high pressure, which is set to drag a mass of Arctic air southwards.

According to the Met Office, today will be ‘cloudy for many, with showery rain moving slowly southwards across England and Wales’.

Tomorrow will see a cold and frosty start for many with the chance of heavy showers for the Midlands and South East, and a risk of hail. Sunday is set to be dry except for showers in the North East, which will continue into Monday.

Andy Page, Met Office chief meteorologist, said: ‘After cold, frosty starts and cool days for many across the Bank Holiday weekend, daytime temperatures will gradually recover early next week, however they will not come near the high values we saw over the Easter weekend.’

Rain and gales are possible in the South, the South West and Wales on Tuesday.