The first of May’s bank holiday weekends is upon us and as usual eyes will turn to the sky in the hope that clouds keep away and the sun shines for the unofficial start of barbecue season.

After mid-spring heatwave the weather turned chilly and wintry this week, to the point where reports came in of snow.

The good news though is that it will become warmer this weekend with sunny spells across most places.

Still, make sure you keep a brolly spare if you're out and about as the Met Office has also said there will be rain for some too.

Temperatures are expected to climb to more traditional late-April climes as the wind changes from a northerly to southerly direction.

Daytime temperatures should reach mid-teens Celsius and night-time ought to be frost-free in most places.

If you are planning an outdoor cookout, Saturday is your best bet as the southerly breeze will kick in before Sunday's rain band.

Deputy chief meteorologist Jonathan Smith said: “At the moment there’s some uncertainty about what areas further south and west can expect weather wise, but at the moment it looks as though outbreaks of rain in the southwest of England and Wales will spread northeastwards through the day with some heavy bursts possible.

"It will also turn windy, particularly across the west of the UK. Given the uncertainty, if you have plans for the weekend I’d advise checking the latest weather forecast before heading out.”

Rain is set to continue into the bank holiday Monday though it is expected to move north-eastwards across the UK, becoming lighter and patchier throughout the day.