Dreadful weather awaits on Monday morning as the country faces gale force winds, snow and heavy rain with temperatures struggling to rise above a chilly 5C (41F).

The bleak weather will begin on Sunday night, as the Met Office has issued a yellow warning for rain and wind across much of southern and central England.

And the chilly temperatures could turn heavy rain into snow in some parts of the country, particularly in central southern England, on Monday, and flooding could be expected.

The gloomy forecast comes days after the country was basked in sunshine for a short spell, with temperatures as warm as 26C (82F) .

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Dreadful weather awaits on Monday morning as the country faces gale force winds, snow and heavy rain with temperatures struggling to rise above a chilly 41F (5C).Pictured: Beach-goers bundled up at Bournemouth Beach

Dark grey clouds form over the sea at Branksome Chine in Dorset on a cold Sunday afternoon

The gloomy forecast comes days after the country was basked in sunshine for a short spell, with temperatures as warm as 82F. Pictured: Couple in their hats and jackets in Bournemouth on Sunday after a spell of warm weather throughout the country

The bleak weather will begin on Sunday night, as the Met Office has issued a yellow warning for rain and wind across much of southern and central England

And the chilly temperatures could turn heavy rain into snow in some parts of the country, particularly in central southern England, and some flooding can be expected

Temperatures aren't expected to rise above 41F (5C) and some parts of the country can expect up to 70mm of rain.

Bearing the brunt of most of the bad weather is south and central England, while Scotland and Northern Ireland miss out on most of the rain.

Trains and buses could be affected as the Met Office warned of possible delays or cancellations, saying there could be a 'small chance' that homes and businesses could be flooded due to the rain.

The Met Office said: 'The heavy rain will be accompanied by strong to gale force northerly winds and it may be cold enough to produce some snow on high ground although this seems unlikely to settle.'

And some warned that flights could also be disrupted due to the inclement weather.

Although Sunday began dry and bright at first, a further low pressure area is due to arrive from northern Europe in the South East by Sunday night.

Trains and buses could be affected as the Met Office warned of possible delays or cancellations, saying there could be a 'small chance' that homes and businesses could be flooded due to the rain. Pictured: Bournemouth Beach on Sunday

People walk their dogs on Barry Island beach, Wales, as across the UK it is the last weekend to walk dogs freely on beaches as the summer season begins

Cloudy weather is seen throughout much of Southern England on Sunday. Pictured: A family enjoy the spectacular spring colours

Temperatures aren't expected to rise above 41F (5C) and some parts of the country can expect up to 70mm of rain

Some warned that flights could also be disrupted due to the inclement weather. Pictured: A couple in raincoats at RHS Garden Wisley in Surrey

The Met Office's warning for Sunday evening extended through the whole of Monday for more than two-and-a-half inches of rain.

Snow is also possible for a time on the North and South Downs - although it is unlikely to settle - along with winds of up to 50mph in exposed coastal areas.

More than an inch of rain fell in parts of the West Country in the 24 hours to yesterday lunchtime, and there was almost an inch in South Wales, while most areas of England and Wales were grey and wet yesterday.

The warning for Sunday and Monday, first issued on Thursday for the South East and East Anglia, was expanded to cover the East Midlands and Lincolnshire up to the Humber Estuary.

Flooding and disruption to travel is predicted.

Heavy rain from the low pressure system crossing the country yesterday and today led to flood alerts being issued by the Environment Agency.

Officials warned people to be 'prepared' for the possibility of flooding on the River Kennet, in Wiltshire, and the Lower Avon, in Wiltshire, Dorset and Hampshire.

The warning for Sunday and Monday, first issued on Thursday for the South East and East Anglia, was expanded to cover the East Midlands and Lincolnshire up to the Humber Estuary. Pictured: Friends at Bournemouth Beach on Sunday

A catamaran sails across the sea at Branksome Chine in Dorset on Sunday

The seasonal average is 55-57F (13-14C). It is a sharp drop in temperature since just over a week ago

Dogs play with each other on the beach at Barry Island, Wales

Here is a closer look at the heavy #rain and strong #winds across southeast England tonight and tomorrow. Some disruption is possible. Stay #weatheraware pic.twitter.com/TBADhXgRSl — Met Office (@metoffice) April 29, 2018

Met Office forecaster John West said: 'The conditions are likely to hang around in East Anglia, the South East and Central areas throughout Monday although further north and into Northern Ireland and Scotland it will be a dry day.' A ridge of high pressure on Tuesday is due to bring just a 'brief respite' before another area of low pressure arrives on Wednesday, Mr West said.

He added: 'There's some uncertainty about Wednesday's weather but we are likely to be hit by another area of low pressure, this time from Iceland.

'It doesn't look like it will lead to anywhere near as much rain as the low pressure system on Sunday and Monday but it will be cool with wet and windy weather mixed in.

'Changeable spring time weather is going to be the flow for the time being.' The wet and windy conditions on Monday could result in maximum temperatures of just 46-48F (8-9C), while over the weekend, 54-55F (12-13C) possible in many areas.

The seasonal average is 55-57F (13-14C).

It is a sharp drop in temperature since just over a week ago.

A woman shelters from the rain under an umbrella on Saturday during a visit to the War Memorial Park in Coventry

A woman holds an umbrella during rain in Westminster, central London, amid renewed wet weather in the UK on Saturday

A tourist holds an umbrella decorated with Paris landmarks as she stands in Trafalgar Square, London, on Saturday

A family walk their dogs through the blossom trees in the War Memorial Park in Coventry on another wet and miserable day on Saturday

Last Thursday, 84.3F (29.1C) was recorded amid warm sunshine in St James's Park, Central London, making it the hottest April day since 1949.

The Met Office forecast for the next week predicts 'changeable weather with brisk winds and spells of rain at times'.

But there is an improved picture towards the bank holiday weekend.

It adds: 'There will be a few drier and sunnier spells too, particularly in the south from next weekend onwards, although showers are still possible here.

'Temperatures will start off fairly cool, although they will tend to recover gradually to near-normal or even a little above normal in the south. It will stay rather cool in the north throughout, so overnight frost remains possible here.'