The national weather service has predicted a shift in conditions for the Gwent area, with the early summer-like conditions set to make way just ahead of the May Day bank holiday weekend.

Following a stretch of exceptionally mild weather for late April, with temperatures in sections of Gwent approaching the low twenties, conditions are due to become more mixed as the extended weekend approaches.

The anticyclone that has delivered dry, calm and bright conditions across much of Wales is expected to weaken, permitting cooler and more unstable weather systems from the Atlantic to arrive.

Forecasts for the Welsh region suggest that although some dry and sunny periods will persist during the bank holiday, conditions will lean more towards typical springtime weather.

This translates to occasional cloud cover, patchy rainfall, including some heavy bursts, and temperatures falling to levels more normal for early May.

For Gwent specifically, maximum daytime temperatures are expected to sit mostly in the mid-teens, a drop from the high-teens to low-twenties many experienced throughout the week.

In the higher ground areas of the county, including Blaenau Gwent, projected temperatures for the bank holiday period are forecast to reach the mid-teens, with sunny intervals interspersed with an increasing likelihood of passing showers.

Further south, in areas such as Newport and across the coastal lowlands, values may edge a degree or two higher, though they will still feel considerably cooler compared with the recent early summer spell.

The Met Office’s national perspective describes the UK’s pattern leading into the bank holiday as predominantly warm and bright this week, before conditions become more changeable heading towards the Bank Holiday weekend.

Weather experts anticipate a mixture of wetter and drier days, with no particular weather type dominating, making for uncertain bank holiday arrangements.

For those planning outdoor gatherings, barbecues, or visits to parks and scenic locations, flexibility is advisable rather than assuming continuous sunshine throughout.

Rainfall is expected to be intermittent rather than constant, meaning there should still be workable, brighter periods during daylight hours, though having shelter options such as a gazebo or umbrella would be prudent.

Despite the cooler, more unpredictable conditions, weekend temperatures should still fall within or marginally above the typical May averages for south-east Wales.

Normal values for early May in Gwent typically see afternoon highs around the mid-teens and overnight lows between the middle single digits and lower double digits, which is essentially what is indicated for this year.

So while Gwent’s brief encounter with summer-like conditions appears set to conclude before the May Day bank holiday, the projection is for a fairly typical spring weekend, combining sunshine, rainfall and acceptable temperatures for those prepared to contend with occasional downpours.