The Met Office has forecast heavy downpours and possible gales for Northern Ireland this weekend, with the worst of the wet weather expected on Sunday.

Flood warnings and alerts have been issued across parts of the UK after a period of drought in England and Wales. The Environment Agency reported that 71.3% of England remains in drought, with August rainfall at only 34% of the expected amount.

The Met Office said Friday could see heavy downpours across most of the UK, with a continued risk of thunderstorms. Saturday is also expected to be wet, with only the far north-east of Scotland likely to avoid rainfall.

Forecasters have warned of unseasonably strong winds, with gusts of up to 35mph possible on the south coast on Saturday. The worst of the wet weather is predicted to hit the North West, Northern Ireland and north-west Scotland on Sunday.

Met Office meteorologist Annie Shuttleworth said there is a chance of windy weather through bank holiday Monday, particularly for northern areas. She noted that it will likely be a relatively breezy day for the UK as a whole, which could affect outdoor plans such as festivals and camping.

There is also a chance of coastal gales in parts of Scotland on Monday.

The wet weather follows a hot, dry summer across the UK, with the Met Office previously stating that the UK is on course for its hottest summer on record after five heatwaves, including a temperature of 38.1C recorded in London.