More downpours and thunderstorms are expected to lash the UK this weekend before what could be the coldest Bank Holiday Monday on record.
The miserable weather ahead comes after torrential rain and flooding brought traffic mayhem to much of the country on Thursday, following the passing of Storm Francis.
Forecasters expect the picture to improve as the weekend arrives but said it would remain “quite chilly” for this time of year, particularly in the north.
Met Office meteorologist Emma Salter said top temperatures could reach 19C in London this Bank Holiday, while parts of Scotland will be chillier with highs of 11C, well below the average of 16C.
Storm Francis - In pictures
She pointed to last year's late August Bank Holiday Monday which was the hottest on record, with 33.2C recorded at Heathrow.
"We could see some places getting the coldest maximum temperatures on record this Bank Holiday Monday," Ms Salter said.
"The lowest maximum temperature recorded was 10.1C in the Shetland Islands - if anywhere gets lower than that it's in the running to be the coldest on record."
Heavy showers on Thursday brought major problems on the roads, with flash floods reported in parts of Surrey.
This created difficult driving conditions and road closures, while Belmont railway station was forced to shut.
The Met Office has issued weather warnings as downpours are likely to persist overnight, which could bring localised flooding and travel disruption.
A yellow warning for heavy rain has been placed over north-east England which is expected to last until 10am on Friday.
Meanwhile, thunderstorms are forecast in parts of southern England and South Wales between 11am and 8pm.
Ms Salter said: "There will be quite heavy, isolated downpours and there is potential for flash flooding.
"But not everywhere will see torrential rain, just a few localised communities will see torrential downpours."
