Met Office weather: What to expect from half-term

As families across parts of the UK prepare for the May half-term break, the weather is shaping up to be a classic British mix of sunshine and showers.

The forecast for May half-term suggests a dynamic week ahead, with regional contrasts and changeable skies.

The week kicks off with Bank Holiday Monday bringing a blend of sunshine and blustery showers across much of the UK. The northwest is expected to bear the brunt of the unsettled weather, with the heaviest and most frequent showers likely in this region. In contrast, the southeast looks set to be more settled though some showers will move through during the day. 

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Temperature-wise, there will be a noticeable north-south divide. While the northwest may experience cooler-than-average conditions, the southeast is forecast to enjoy temperatures slightly above seasonal norms.

As the week progresses, the weather is expected to remain unsettled, driven by systems moving in from the Atlantic. These will bring periods of rain and strong winds, particularly affecting western and northwestern parts of the country. The east and southeast, however, are likely to remain relatively sheltered, with drier and brighter spells breaking up the gloom.

Despite the unsettled conditions, there will be windows of dry and sunny weather between the passing systems, offering opportunities for outdoor activities. These interludes may be brief but welcome, especially for families planning day trips or time outside.

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Overall, temperatures during the half-term week are expected to hover around average for late May, with some areas—particularly in the south and east—experiencing slightly warmer conditions. While it may not be a scorcher, the weather should be mild enough for most seasonal activities, provided you keep an umbrella handy.

The May half-term forecast presents a typical springtime mix: breezy and showery to start, with changeable conditions continuing through the week. While the northwest will see the most rain, the southeast stands a good chance of enjoying the best weather. 

Met Office presenter and meteorologist Honor Criswick said: "It's still going to be breezy on Monday. It’s likely to be a day of sunshine and showers, perhaps some longer spells of rain, but that's still something to watch.

“But over the next few days, around 50 to 60 millimetres of rain possible. So yes, there is more rain to come. A little bit disappointing, I suppose, for the bank holiday weekend, but it is long overdue. It's been a very dry spring indeed.

“So overall for the bank holiday weekend, it is going to be changeable and unsettled at times, but the wettest of the weather across the Northwest, feeling a bit cooler here, but it's still mostly warm across the east, where we're most likely to still see some brighter, if not quite sunny, interludes.

“Then how about after that? Well, the next two weeks, taking a look at our pressure trend—well, it's quite mixed. It indicates it is still going to be quite changeable. It's likely into next week we'll still see some frontal systems moving in off that westerly flow, but at times we'll also see ridges of high pressure. So, we'll see a mix of rain but also some drier and brighter interludes. But still fairly low confidence as to when abouts that rain will be and whereabouts it will occur.”

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