Over the last few days though that pattern has gradually been breaking down, allowing heavy, thundery downpours to affect some places in the UK.
Now that high pressure block is disappearing completely allowing the jet stream to send low pressure our way – just in time for the bank holiday weekend.
Beyond that the weather looks set to stay unsettled for the final week of May with further showers or longer spells of rain.
Some computer weather models suggest that high pressure may build at times allowing for more dry weather, especially in the south, with most of the downpours focused in northern regions, although a return to completely dry weather looks unlikely, even into the start of June.
You can always keep updated on your local forecast with Weather online and on the app.
