Heavy rain will also bring the possibility of flash flooding, according to MeteoGroup UK, the weather division of the Press Association.

The bad weather is most likely to hit areas away from coastal areas, especially in northern England, the Midlands and central Wales.

Forecaster Rachel Vince said thundery showers were expected to hit in southern England, Wales and the Midlands.

Persistent and heavy rain is also likely to move across Northern Ireland, northern England and the south of Scotland, but the northern half of Scotland should have a fine day.

She said: "It's not looking great this weekend.

"On Saturday, Northern Ireland and Scotland are expecting to have a lot of cloud and spells of rain, although it will become brighter as the day progresses.

"In England and Wales we are expecting the sunshine to break through at times, more especially across southern areas.

"But we have got heavy showers, thundery showers and torrential downpours expected.

"From the intensity of the rain it wouldn't be surprising to experience some localised flooding. The clouds will be slow moving so there could be quite a bit of rain locally."