Home / Editor's Pick /

Bank holiday showers: Understanding rain chances in the app

07:00
5 May 2024

Bank holiday showers
Understanding rain chances in the app

Weather map showing rainfall over Scotland, N. Ireland and parts of northern England on Sunday.Sunday brings yet more showers to parts of the UK, particularly in Scotland and northern regions this morning.

A question we are often asked is what, exactly, does the rainfall probability in the app actually mean? On a wet bank holiday weekend for many, let us explain.

It is important to remember that the percentage shows the chance of rain at that time, in your forecast area.

A 30% chance means a 30% chance that it will rain in your forecast area, and a 70% chance that it will stay dry.

When there are showers in the forecast, rather than a solid band of rain, there is a great deal of uncertainty. This is because showers can be extremely localised, forming and dissipating over short time periods.

Frequently with showers, the chance of precipitation could be fairly low, but the risk could be throughout the entirety of the day.

So, if you’re unsure about whether you’re at risk of catching a shower, stay updated via our WeatherRadar, where you can see where the showers are developing real-time.

Your bank holiday forecastread more
Weather & Radar editorial team
More on the topic
Split image showing a towering storm cloud with rain shafts over the sea on the left and a vivid red aurora illuminating the night sky above residential rooftops on the right, divided by a curved white line.
Tuesday 9 December 2025

Your weather - Your shots

Autumn captured by you
Map comparison showing 44 degrees in Indulkana and minus 51 degrees in Olenyok. Coloured temperature ranges show stark global contrasts.
Tuesday 9 December 2025

Global extremes

Almost 100 degrees difference in temperature
pinecones
Thursday 11 December 2025

Winter helpers

How pine cones aid the weather forecast
All weather news
This might also interest you
Wednesday 27 August 2025

Breakfast brief

Frontal system brings heavy rain
Monday 25 August 2025

Bank holiday outlook

Warm day turning gusty in places
Split weather map showing UK wind speeds in orange-red shades up to 40 mph on the left and warning levels in green-yellow on the right, with a central wind warning sign.
Wednesday 22 October 2025

Warnings active

Storm Benjamin impacts the UK
All articles
Weather & Radar

Weather & Radar is also available on

Google Play StoreApp Store

Company

Contact us Privacy Policy Legal info Accessibility statement

Services

Uploader

Socials

facebooktwitteryouTubelinkList