Sunshine and highs of 20C could grace Stroud on the Spring bank holiday weekend.

Torrential downpours have led to the UK to record the 10th wettest May on record but forecasters say it will be drier and warmer on Saturday, May 29 to Sunday May 31.

The UK has been gripped by persistent low pressure systems since the start of the month, with Wales and northern parts of England bearing the brunt of heavy rainfall and stormy conditions.

The Met Office said that up to Saturday the UK had seen 109.3mm of rainfall – 157 per cent of the long-term average for May.

But meteorologist Dan Stroud said that while Tuesday will be a mix of sunshine and showers, the rest of the week will be drier with temperatures rising.

Mr Stroud said that the warmest day will be Thursday for most but the Met Office expects the weekend to be warmer in Gloucestershire, with temperatures hitting 19C and 20C.

He added that when the sun breaks through it would feel very “pleasant” for people in beer gardens or outside over the weekend.

Mr Stroud said: “The bank holiday weekend is likely cloudy with hints of sunshine.

“We are into late May, early June, so there’s a fair amount of strength in the sun and it’s going to feel very pleasant in the sunshine.”

Today should start dry with sunny spells through the morning, afternoon and into the evening with maximum temperatures of 18C.

It should stay largely dry with sunny spells on Thursday, perhaps cloudy with rain in some areas, followed by cloud and sunny spells on Friday.