Heavy rain and strong winds forecast for North East as this month set to be one of the wettest Mays on record

The North East has been hit with torrential rain on Monday, May 17, although the forecast is hoping it may ease.

But frequent showers, cooler temperatures and strong winds are forecast for the week.

Temperatures won’t top 15C along the North East coast although the sun may make a few appearances between rain showers throughout the week.

Parts of the UK could see weather warnings imposed before heavy downpours and unseasonable gales move in from Thursday, the Met Office has said.

Those who are planning outdoor gatherings this week as coronavirus restrictions ease are being advised to think again due to “significant, windy weather” as the result of a low pressure system over the UK.

This month could be one of the wettest Mays on record, surpassing 1967, when 131.7mm of rain fell across the UK.

However, last year the country experienced its sunniest spring and driest May since records began.

Met Office forecaster, Sarah Kent, says “changing climates” make changeable conditions and weather extremes “more likely”.

But she said it was “too early” to predict if this month will be the wettest May on record.

Ms Kent said: “Over the next few days, large parts of the UK will see showery conditions with occasional torrential downpours, thunderstorms and even hail.

“Drivers should be very careful as quite a bit of rainfall could lead to some problems on the roads.

“I’d say it’s going to be very unsettled, as some areas will see some sunshine, and be relatively warm, while it’ll be chilly for those who see torrential rain.”

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