The UK’s biggest music festival has been battered by rain after months of warm weather, with Britons set to prepare for a washed-out Bank Holiday weekend.
Festivalgoers at Reading, Leeds and Creamfields were looking forward to a weekend of seeing artists like Raye and Calvin Harris.
Most will not have expected to spend their weekend in marsh-like conditions, but thanks to thunderstorms sweeping the UK this week, last-minute outfit changes were needed.
The weather shows no signs of stopping over the weekend, with a yellow weather warning for thunderstorms in place until 9pm on Saturday. the warning is in place for areas across Wales and the Midlands with the south west of England urged to take precautions.
Clips on social media have shown festivalgoers bringing their weekend gear down muddy and wet paths.
One user, Eldougy on TikTok, shared a video of Creamfields entry, rolling a trolley down a muddy path with the caption: “Carrying all that to camp wasn’t okay.”
The Met Office has noted that Reading Festival is set to experience a “notably unsettled few days.”
It said: “The forecast points to heavy showers and thunderstorms possibly developing with warm and humid air helping to fuel some intense downpours.
“Temperatures are expected to stay slightly above average, and while there may be some sunshine between weather systems, conditions are likely to remain changeable from day to day.”
Leeds is set for “Low pressure moving in from the south-west is forecast to bring an increased risk of heavy showers and thunderstorms.
“Although temperatures should remain a little above average, any warm spells are likely to be interrupted by frequent showers and the potential for locally torrential downpours.
“Humidity levels are also expected as the weekend approaches.”
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The Met Office yellow warning states: “An area of heavy showers and thunderstorms will move across England and Wales during the afternoon and early evening, affecting areas in the west first and moving progressively east towards evening with drier weather following.
“Some places could see 15-25 mm of rain in an hour, and 30 mm in two to three hours, with hail and lightning additional hazards.”
It has warned Britons to take precautions as “there is a good chance driving conditions will be affected by spray, standing water and/or hail, leading to longer journey times by car and bus”.
The meteorological service added: “Some flooding of a few homes and businesses likely, leading to some damage to buildings or structures.
“As well as damage to some buildings and structures from lightning strikes.”
People, and particularly festivalgoers, have been warned: “If you find yourself outside and hear thunder, protect yourself by finding a safe enclosed shelter (such as a car).
“Do not shelter under or near trees, or other structures which may be struck by lightning.
“If you are on an elevated area, move to lower ground.”
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