Weather maps have revealed that the UK will be hit by a 700-mile rain bomb towards the end of the month as the country endures a period of unsettled weather.
The maps from WXCharts show that up to 72mm of rain could fall on the Scottish Highlands near the cities of Dundee, Glasgow and Inverness. The weather front is due to hit on May 18 before peaking on May 20.
Further south the midlands will also be hit hard by torrential rain with up to 56mm falling on higher ground. In Wales, around 50mm of rain could fall on coastal areas near the likes of Bangor and Anglesey.
England will escape the worst of the rain. The likes of London, Southampton and Reading, will see between 15mm and 25mm of rain; significantly less than the 45mm that could affect Bristol and Cardiff further west.
Devon and Cornwall will experience differing fortunes as the former is forecast to receive slightly less rain than the latter with 13mm for southern Cornwall versus 26mm for Devon.
Despite the damp weather conditions, temperatures are expected to remain mild across the UK as temperatures vary between seven and 14 degrees. The warmest areas will be East Anglia and counties in the south east of England.
Meanwhile, the lowest temperatures are predicted to be in Scotland and the midlands around Newcastle and Middlesbrough.
The Met Office’s long-range forecast reflects the possibility of more unsettled weather for the UK as it makes its way through the rest of the month towards June.
The Met Office warned: “During the longer range outlook period, there is a greater chance of unsettled weather returning across the UK. This means that spells of wet weather are likely for most, with no particular location more prone than anywhere else.
“The chances of above or below average temperatures are fairly balanced, but at this time of year this means that some warm days are likely.”
A mix of warm and unsettled conditions has been reflected in the weather over the bank holiday weekend. The Met Office warned ahead of the annual holiday that it would all depend on where people spent the weekend.
Deputy Chief Meteorologist for the Met Office Mark Sidaway warned: “While things remain unsettled with further showers or longer spells of rain for some, all areas should see some drier conditions and sunshine at some point and, in that sunshine, it should feel quite warm. It really will depend on where you are geographically as to what weather you might experience.”
Met Office 5-day forecast: Sunday, May 5th – Thursday, May 9th
Today:
Often rather cloudy in the north with some showery rain, heaviest across Scotland. Outbreaks of rain also affecting parts of southwest England and Wales. Warm sunshine and isolated showers elsewhere.
Tonight:
Cloudy in the north with outbreaks of rain and heavy showers later. Showers fading in the south, although staying damp in the southwest. Mist and fog under any clear spells.
Monday:
A rather cloudy start in the north with some brighter spells and heavy showers developing. Sunny spells further south with heavy showers and thunderstorms through the afternoon.
Outlook for Tuesday to Thursday:
Showers fewer in number and less heavy on Tuesday. Staying mostly fine and warm through the middle of the week, though some rain far northwest at times.
