A band of unsettled weather is set to bring thunderstorms and heavy showers to several parts of the United Kingdom today, with forecasters highlighting a widespread impact across England and Wales. The conditions are expected to begin with a wet start before evolving into more variable weather, including brighter intervals that may trigger localized thunderstorms later in the day.
Storm Risk Spreads Across Southern England and Wales
Heavy showers and thunderstorms are forecast to affect 22 counties across England and Wales on Sunday, May 3. According to the Met Office, many areas will see a damp and cloudy start, particularly across England and Wales, before conditions gradually improve through the day.
As skies begin to clear in places, the shift may lead to instability in the atmosphere. The Met Office noted that where brighter spells develop, there is a possibility of “one or two heavy showers or thunderstorms.” This pattern suggests that rainfall will not be constant but could intensify in short bursts.
Weather mapping service Ventusky indicates that the highest concentration of thunderstorm activity is likely to occur around 7 p.m., primarily across southern England and parts of Wales. According to Ventusky data reported by The Mirror, this system could cover a broad area, affecting counties including Kent, Essex, Devon, and Cornwall, as well as Welsh regions such as Glamorgan and Carmarthenshire.
The full list spans 16 counties in England, including Bedfordshire, Oxfordshire, and Somerset, alongside six Welsh counties. This distribution highlights a regional concentration in the southern and western parts of the UK, rather than a nationwide event.
Temperatures Vary as Unsettled Pattern Continues Into Monday
Temperature patterns will vary across the country, reflecting the uneven nature of the weather system. Northern areas are expected to experience temperatures close to seasonal averages, while parts of southeast England may feel comparatively warmer.
Despite the unsettled conditions, the presence of warmer air in the southeast could contribute to the development of thunderstorms later in the day. This combination of warmth and atmospheric instability often plays a role in triggering convective weather events.
Looking ahead, the changeable pattern is expected to persist into the start of the week. According to Met Office deputy chief forecaster Mark Sidaway, conditions on Monday will remain mixed, with lingering cloud and scattered showers affecting southern and central regions.
Sidaway noted that these showers are likely to be lighter and less frequent than those seen over the weekend. This suggests a gradual easing of the more intense weather, though not a complete return to settled conditions. The broader outlook points to continued variability, with no immediate shift to prolonged dry or stable weather. For now, much of England and Wales can expect a day shaped by shifting conditions, where brief sunshine may quickly give way to heavy, localized rainfall.
