Bank holiday to split the country in a north-south weather divide as rail closures cause traffic chaos

For the early May Bank Holiday, the South of England was bathed in glorious sunshine, while shivering Northerners pulled on their cagoules or sheltered indoors.

This time round, the situation is reversed - storm clouds are gathering in the South but it will remain dry and bright elsewhere.

Wet weekend for some: Bank holiday rains are predicted in the south, but fair weather in the north

The Met Office has issued a severe weather warning for southern Britain with heavy rain predicted throughout the weekend.

There is a risk of localised flooding as more than three inches of rain is expected to lash the lower half of the country throughout

Sunday and Monday - more than the average amount for the month.

East Anglia, London and the South-West will see the highest rainfall.

Today is expected to be generally fair across the UK, with a maximum temperature of 26c (79f).

Motorways are expected to be jammed this bank holiday

Later on, isolated showers will start to build in the South, turning into heavy rain tomorrow. Monday will see strong northeasterly winds and a dramatic drop in temperatures to a chilly 15c (59f).

But while the South's Bank Holiday weekend is a washout, the North is set for clear skies, sunshine and temperatures of up to 17c (64f), according to forecasters.

Sarah Holland, of the Met Office, said: 'There is a real North-South divide this weekend.

'We have issued a severe weather warning for southern England. We are expecting persistent heavy rain as a cold front comes in over the South, whilst it will be warm and sunny in the North.'

But the dismal weather isn't the only woe for holidaymakers.

Network Rail has axed one in five train services to allow engineering works to take place - with Virgin services on the West Coast mainline the worst affected.

Delays: Commuters face delays on trains this weekend

There will be no Virgin Trains or London Midland services in and out of Euston station in London today, tomorrow or Bank Holiday Monday.

Buses will replace train connections in the Coventry, Rugby and Birmingham areas and there will be many diversions. There will also be a reduced Virgin service on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Sir Richard Branson, chairman of the Virgin Group, yesterday warned that there were more months of misery ahead for rail travellers if the troubled £8.6billion upgrade of the West Coast Mainline continues as planned.

He warned that disruption on the London to Scotland route will get worse if Network Rail sticks to a plan to complete the work by December.