Met Office Weather Warnings: Heavy Rain Set to Dampen UK Easter Weekend Plans

Easter Hopes Dashed as Met Office Predicts Downpours

If you were planning picnics or outdoor getaways this Easter, the latest Met Office update might spoil your mood. Instead of the warm and dry holiday many had been hoping for, meteorologists are now warning that a hefty band of rain could soak southern and western parts of the UK—with some places seeing more than 50mm fall in a single day.

Earlier in the month, the UK was enjoying some almost summer-like warmth. In Scotland's Perthshire, the thermometer hit 20.9°C, while Castlederg in Northern Ireland saw highs of 19.4°C—smashing previous April records. That short-lived burst of heat brought people out in t-shirts, but now, with a low-pressure system moving in, the scene is set to change quickly and dramatically.

Unsettled Conditions Hit Just in Time for the Holiday

What flipped the script? Chief Meteorologist Andy Page says it’s all down to a shift in wind direction and the arrival of low pressure from the Atlantic. This change will kick in from Easter Saturday, triggering localised downpours, particularly across the southern and western regions. In weather terms, that means some families might be swapping Easter egg hunts outside for card games indoors.

The Met Office isn’t just hinting at a few passing showers—it’s warning that these downpours could be intense, leading to quick flooding on roads and in low-lying areas. If you’re travelling over the holiday, you’ll want to check the forecast before heading out. The first half of the weekend looks like the rough patch; still, there’s a glimmer of good news, as forecasters say Easter Sunday should be calmer, with lighter winds and the odd brighter spell slipping through the clouds.

But the pause won’t last long. Come Bank Holiday Monday, the rain is due to march steadily northwards, switching up which corners of the UK get the worst of it. The heaviest bursts could follow the same path, keeping umbrellas in high demand. The Met Office stresses that people, especially in affected regions, need to keep an eye on updated warnings. Conditions could change rapidly, bringing new hazards and local flooding with little notice.

One group who might finally see some relief are those in eastern coastal regions. After weeks of stubborn chills and overcast skies, temperatures should break higher, offering a taste of proper spring at last. If you live further north, next week might give you a break from the rain, but keep a jumper handy—those clear skies come with a drop in nighttime temperatures.

Looking beyond bank holiday Monday, southern areas remain stuck in a pattern of unpredictable showers, while northern zones settle down, trading rain clouds for crisp, chilly nights. For now, the national advice is clear: plans may need tweaking, and it’s best to check in regularly with Met Office updates as the Easter weekend unfolds.