Severe weather warnings for snow and torrential rain have been issued for the bank holiday as forecasters warn of a wash-out for most of the UK.

Sunshine will be a rare sight over the coming days, with a band of heavy rain sweeping the country overnight and continuing for much of Sunday.

It could fall as snow up to 20cm deep on high ground above 400m in Scotland, where strong winds of 50mph will risk creating drifts and temperatures will hover around freezing tonight.

Forecasters are warning of possible disruption on the roads, where snow and surface water will create hazardous driving conditions.

Most of the country will see heavy rain tonight and through the bank holiday (PA)

A yellow warning for rain has also been issued for Northern Ireland continuing into Sunday morning.

There will be a risk of localised flooding and up to a 10cm of rainfall is possible across the slopes of the Mourne and Sperrin mountains.

A forecaster for the Met Office said snow was not “unheard of” in May.

“April is quite a changeable month and we are just coming out of it,” she added.

“Because of the bank holiday, a lot of people will be out walking or travelling in the hills and the snow could cause a few problems.”

The South West could see thunderstorms and high winds (Matt Cardy/Getty Images)

The rain and snow will move north through tomorrow, leaving drier and brighter spells behind it for Monday.

Heavy showers are still forecast for much of the country, with the possibility of thunder in south-west England.

The warmest temperatures will be found in London and the South East, which could reach 20C on Monday, although a fresh breeze will make it feel cooler.

Elsewhere, daytime figures will be closer to average at around 15C.