Met Office verdict on May showers as Britain set for 'cold' plunge

After a damp beginning to 2026, the UK has been enjoying sunshine for the majority of the past two months, with record-breaking temperatures reaching up to 29 degrees delivering Brits some welcome warmth. But to the disappointment of sun worshippers the unbroken sunshine is set to come to an end, with the Met Office predicting a temperature drop and rainfall. From Thursday (May 7), the forecasters are anticipating a degree of 'uncertainty', with the South and East of England particularly vulnerable to some substantial downpours. Their forecast stated: " There is a lot of uncertainty in the evolution through this period, more so than normal, but overall it would appear that a changeable theme is most likely. "Most places are therefore likely to see some rain or showers at times, but also some drier, brighter weather . "The emphasis on wetter conditions may be more towards the south and east at first, with low pressure perhaps more likely towards the south or east of the UK, before shifting further north later in the period as low pressure becomes more likely to set up to the north or northeast of the UK.", reports the Daily Star . "After a cold start to the period, especially in the north, temperatures are likely to return to around average later." Annoyingly, the rainfall and chill appear set to persist in the week ahead, with the Met Office forecast cautioning of 'showers' and 'longer spells of rain'. According to the Met: "Low pressure systems are likely to dominate across the UK at the start of this period. "This means showers or longer spells of rain are likely at times, heavy in places, with the wettest conditions probably towards the northwest." Those living in the South can expect some relief, according to the Met. Their outlook suggests that "there will, however, probably be some dry and warm interludes, these more likely towards the south, although temperatures are likely to be close to normal overall." Towards the end of May, slightly more favourable conditions are anticipated. The Met stated: "later in the month, more settled and drier conditions may begin to develop, with temperatures perhaps rising above normal."