Wet and windy bank holiday ahead

The South West is set for a wet and windy bank holiday weekend, as a shift in weather patterns brings an end to the recent dry spell.

Starting Friday afternoon, a weather system moving in from the Atlantic will bring outbreaks of rain to the west of the UK, reaching Devon and surrounding counties by the evening.

After a chilly start, Friday will begin dry and bright for many, but conditions will quickly deteriorate through the day.

The Met Office has warned of a marked change in weather type, with more unsettled conditions taking hold through the weekend.

Saturday will bring widespread rain and strengthening winds, with the heaviest rainfall expected in the north and west. The South West may see blustery showers and overcast spells, but some breaks in the rain are possible between fronts.

By Sunday, a deepening area of low pressure is expected to pass across the northwest of the UK, bringing gusty winds and frequent showers, particularly in northern and western areas. The south and southeast may see a drier day with occasional sunshine.

The bank holiday Monday forecast remains unsettled, with sunny spells mixed with heavy, possibly thundery showers, and temperatures a little below average, making it feel cooler than recent weekends.

Looking ahead to half-term week, the Met Office expects further low pressure systems to move in, bringing a continued mix of rain, wind and some drier interludes, with temperatures near or slightly below average.