Jump to contentAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleWidespread and persistent rain alongside potential thunderstorms are forecast to hit the UK as August ends.Showers are expected to begin in the south-west and south Wales on Tuesday, before more rain sweeps across the south of England on Wednesday.Heavy downpours are then expected in the West Midlands by Thursday, before moving towards Manchester and Leeds. Thunderstorms could also hit Manchester and Newcastle on Sunday afternoon.The mercury is predicted to reach 26C in London on Thursday, while most of the UK will see temperatures in the mid to low 20s over the week.According to the Met Office, showers and longer spells of rain are expected to hit many parts of the UK by Bank Holiday weekend, alongside some strong winds. In fullMapped: Where thunderstorms could hit UK this weekMore bulletinsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in

Met Office and BBC Weather forecasters say thunderstorms are on the cards for next week, with flooding also a possibility and as much as 4cm of rain falling

The Met Office has warned conditions will turn unsettled from Wednesday with outbreaks of rain becoming widespread as warm and humid air spreads northwards across the country.

Widespread and persistent rain is forecast to hit the UK this week

Widespread and persistent rain is forecast to hit the UK this week