UK rainfall 23% below average in April – but will change this weekend

UK rainfall 23% below average in April – but will change this weekend,

April is known for its showers, but rainfall across the UK was actually 23 per cent below average last month, the Met Office has revealed. 

While conditions varied by region, April was generally drier, warmer, and sunnier than the long–term meteorological average. 

‘Much of the dry weather this April has been down to long spells of high pressure – dominated by clearer skies – which have kept the rain away, explained Met Office Scientist Dr Emily Carlisle.

‘In parts of England, we simply haven’t seen many “April showers”, with weather systems passing further north. 

‘This has left some areas seeing very little rainfall, while parts of Scotland have seen above average totals.’

However, it’s not quite time to pack away your umbrella just yet. 

There is rain forecast across much of the UK over the bank holiday weekend – with flood warnings even in place in some areas.

April is known for its showers, but rainfall across the UK was actually 23 per cent below average last month, the Met Office has revealed

The Met Office’s figures show that last month was the seventh warmest April on record, with mild temperatures across the UK. 

It was also the fourth sunniest April on record, with above–average sunshine across all four nations. 

Dr Carlisle added: ‘The overall dry signal this April masks some pronounced regional differences. 

‘Persistent high pressure frequently kept rain bearing systems away from southern and eastern parts of England, leading to notably low rainfall totals in areas such as East Anglia. 

‘At the same time, parts of north–west Scotland remained more exposed to Atlantic systems, particularly during the first half of the month, resulting in above average rainfall there. 

‘These patterns are a good example of how the same month can look very different depending on where you are in the UK.’

The Met Office’s five–day weather forecast predicts that today will be ‘very warm’ for many. 

In fact, some southern locations, including London, could see temperature highs of up to 26°C.

The Met Office’s five–day weather forecast predicts that today will be ‘very warm’ for many. However, thundery showers could start to arrive from this evening

However, thundery showers could start to arrive from this evening. 

By tomorrow, it will be ‘rather cloudy’ for most Brits, with outbreaks of rain – especially over Northern Ireland. 

In contrast, people living in eastern England will experience the driest conditions on Saturday, with warm spells of sunshine. 

Looking ahead, things won’t get much better through the bank holiday.

‘Early rain clearing to sunshine and showers on Sunday,’ the Met Office explains.

‘Turning cooler into early next week with a mix of sunny spells and showers, but these generally lighter than the weekend.’

The forecast has left many Brits disappointed going into the bank holiday weekend. 

’24 degrees Friday but then raining the next 5 days. UK weather got everyone’s moods on a string,’ one person vented on X.

The forecast has left many Brits disappointed going into the bank holiday weekend

Another added: ‘Hotter than Hawaii here today! But then raining at the weekend, bank holiday so standard.’

And one joked: ‘Weather has been beautiful all week, but as soon as it’s bank holiday weekend we all need inflatable boats to get around.’

Over on TikTok, one user said: ‘Does anyone ever wonder how the weather knows it’s a bank holiday weekend?’

Another said: ‘I swear the weather thinks to itself “oh its a bank holiday here we gooooooo, its time to rain”.’

And one even questioned: ‘kinda makes you wonder if it’s manipulated seems to happen every holiday.’