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Wednesday starts dry but there is a lot of low cloud in central and eastern areas. Through the day sunny periods develop widely but it probably remains cloudier near the east coast. Isolated showers are likely in the south this afternoon but most places miss them.

Maximum temperatures range from 14C (57F) in the north east to a very warm 24C (75F) in the south west. See the rain radar for the latest view.

Hirlam, forecast temperatures, 16:00 BST Wed 23rd May

Tonight showery rain spreads across southern counties. Central and northern regions have a dry and clear night but it stays cloudier near the east coast.

Tomorrow outbreaks of thundery rain push westwards across southern and central counties. Brighter skies could return from the east during the afternoon. The north stays dry, warm and sunny.

On Friday a band of thundery downpours affects central and northern England, as well as Wales. Areas to the south and north have warm sunshine.

Bank Holiday weekend warmth

Saturday will be fine in Scotland. Elsewhere sunny periods develop but cloud builds at times and in the south there is a risk of thunderstorms. It will be very warm and in the south temperatures could reach 27C (81F).

Sunday brings warm sunshine to much of the country, however thunderstorms are possible in the southern half of the UK. They look most likely to affect Wales and the south west, but southern coastal counties could also see an odd one. 

The details for Bank Holiday Monday are uncertain. Most places should have a warm or even hot day but scattered thunderstorms remain a possibility.

GFS, precipitation,16:00 BST Sat 26th May

Warmth continues next week

The risk of showers is expected to decrease next week and all regions look set to have a lot of fine weather weather. Temperatures remain well above the average through early June.

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16 day GEFS ensembles at a glance

Warm or very warm weather continues for the rest of May and during early June. Showery rain is shown but much of the period is expected to be dry. View latest GEFS.