UK weather: Blustery downpours to lash parts of Britain today, warns Met Office – and it’s bad news for election day
BRITS are bracing for blustery downpours and gusty winds as the sunshine disappears for most today, the Met Office has warned.
A cold front is bringing strong winds and outbreaks of rain throughout Wednesday, with "nowhere immune" to the wet weather.
And millions heading out to vote in the general election on Thursday will also have to face "a rush of showers with a heavy risk of thunder".
But drier conditions are expected in the south west of the UK today, where temperatures could again reach 20C thanks to "drier interludes".
Met Office meteorologist Clare Nasir said: "For northern and eastern England, it’s a cloudy start again ith some showery bursts of rain and a few showers likely also down towards the southwest.
"But there are some holes in the could and lucky ones will see some warmer weather coming through the first part of the this morning.
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"First of all, this area of cloud and rain from around 5am extends eastwards and slowly clears. Then it is pretty much cloud with some showers.
"The cold front will also march eastwards, taking it with the low cloud and some outbreaks of rain which will extend towards the north west of England through the afternoon.
"By the afternoon, though, you could west Wales and the West Country seeing that could and outbreaks of rain - also for Cumbria, Lancashire and down towards Greater Manchester and Cheshire."
Temperatures are expected to be around 17C across the east of England, with a chance the mercury could "squeeze" to 20C in the far south east.
Further showers will arrive this evening, but northern areas of the UK have been warned to expect winds to "pick up some strength".
These are expected to turn gusty into Thursday morning.
General election day, though, will bring "a rush of showers which will be heavy with a risk of thunder".
Ms Nasir added: "It will be sunshine and showers for northern England through the first part of the day on Thursday.
"Elsewhere, some brighter skies coming through with some sunshine as well.
"But these showers towards the north are likely to be frequent.
"The winds will be gusty, particularly through the morning, but even the afternoon, so a keen breeze with temperatures around 15C or 16C, whereas we could see a 21C down towards the south."
Meanwhile, tennis fans face potential stoppages at Wimbledon this afternoon.
Temperatures are expected to reach a high of 19C, but outbreaks of rain are expected in the afternoon.
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The Met Office outlook for the area says: "A cloudy day with some dry spells, but also some outbreaks of rain and drizzle at times.
"Cloud thickening from the west toward the end of the afternoon. Warm."
Met Office five-day forecast
Today
Mostly cloudy this morning with occasional rain and drizzle, with the rain becoming more persistent at times in the north.
Northern and western areas turning brighter later, but a scattering of showers also following. Rather cool with below average temperatures.
Tonight
Cloud and rain clearing to the east, leaving clearer skies for many.
Rain likely to continue though across Shetland with showers across the north. Windy, especially in the north.
Thursday
Frequent blustery showers across west and northwest Scotland, with a few showers also across Northern Ireland and northwest England.
Elsewhere, mainly dry with some sunshine. Windy in the north.
Friday to Sunday
Remaining changeable and rather cool throughout. Friday likely to see some rain in the south with showers elsewhere.
A mix of sunshine and showers over the weekend for many.
