Warning of thundery and wet weather as dry spell ends

While we may have been enjoying days of bright sunshine and warm temperatures, the Met Office is predicting that the weather will soon take a turn. Tuesday (May 20) starts off much like

recent days. There are sunny spells across the region with temperatures in Surrey peaking at around 22C. However, by Wednesday (May 21) there is the potential for heavy rain across the

county. The Met Office is predicting that in Guildford, Woking and Reigate there will be heavy rain in the afternoon. The forecast includes showers in the morning, followed by a downpour,

starting at 1pm and getting heavier by 3pm. BBC Weather has gone slightly further and is also forecasting thundery showers. Both forecasts are predicting that it will be slightly cooler

ranging from 16C to 18C. Thursday and Friday are still expected to bring plenty of sunshine, mixed with clouds. Friday is meant to be the warmer of the two, at around 20C with Thursday more

likely to be around 17C or 18C. However, the Met Office is warning that there will be a marked change in the weather over the bank holiday weekend. Deputy Chief Meteorologist Mark Sidaway

explained: “The high pressure that has been around for the last few weeks will slowly lose its grip on the UK this week, bringing a change to more unsettled conditions with many areas seeing

rain or showers, ending the prolonged dry spell. “The change comes this weekend, with weather systems moving in from the Atlantic, arriving from the west probably later on Friday and

through Saturday. They will bring with them spells of rain, which may be heavy at times, with a risk of strong winds in places. These conditions will gradually spread across the UK on

Saturday, with Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday likely seeing sunshine and showers. “So, whilst the bank holiday won't be a complete washout, with some sunshine expected, this weekend

represents a notable shift from the fine and settled weather pattern that has dominated so far this month.” BBC Weather is forecasting a prolonged period of rain on the Bank Holiday (Monday,

May 26). In Guildford this is expected to start at around 2pm until about 7pm. Despite the showers there are also expected to be periods of sunshine, and a moderate breeze. Half-term week

is also expected to remain unsettled, with rain, wind and around average temperatures in the forecast. However, as this is still a while off the predictions could still change. So far spring

has been exceptionally dry and sunny, with records looking set to be broken. On Friday (May 16) the Met Office confirmed that the UK had already recorded more sunshine hours so far this

spring, than it did for the whole of meteorological summer last year. This has also caused warnings about water usage.