Parts of the country will be battered by gale force winds of up to 65mph today, while rain is also expected to lash many areas.

Severe weather warnings have been issued for Wales, the South West, the Midlands, London and the South East and eastern parts of the country.

Aisling Creevey, a forecaster with MeteoGroup, the weather division of the Press Association, said: The heaviest rain will be across Wales, the Midlands and western and northern England.

"The South West could see anywhere between 15mm and 25mm of rain.

"What we are seeing is tight pressure gradients across the UK, meaning it is really windy.

"Winds could reach up to 65mph across exposed coastal areas of Wales and south-west and southern England."

Worcestershire weatherman Paul Damari said wet conditions would continue for the next two weeks, but offered a small ray of sunshine, with tomorrow looking the county’s best bet when temperatures will push 18C (64F).

However, the rain resumes on Sunday as a low pressure front continues to work its way slowly across the UK. Mr Damari warned that prolonged downpours could lead to flash-flooding. And he said: “We will not see any prolonged periods of good weather until the end of June.”

The bad weather means balloon flights at the popular Evesham Balloon Festival on Saturday and Sunday have been grounded, with winds up to 30mph making ballooning unsafe.

It is the second year in a row the weather has prevented lift-offs for the two-day event.

Parking charges on Corporation Meadow are being waived, given the late change to schedules.

There is still plenty happening, including stunt kite flying displays, live music, classic cars and funfair rides. There will also be stalls on Saturday and Sunday at the Crown Meadow venue.

Weather permitting, the grand fireworks finale will complete Saturday’s entertainment at 10.30pm, and the Asparagus Family Fun Run will take place on Sunday in Crown Meadow from 11.30am in aid of the Midlands Air Ambulance.

Kevin Jones, of Evesham Hot Air Fest, said it was an extremely difficult decision, particularly as a record number of balloons was due to take part.

“Public safety must come first,” he said.

Elsewhere, the weather was also set to have put paid to the first day of competition at the British Open Paramotor Championships, starting today at Kerswell, near Worcester. The championships are running until Monday, featuring 30 pilots.

Race director Dave Hill said day one looked doubtful. However, despite Mr Damari’s forecast, he said: “Sunday afternoon, from about noon, is looking like the best window.

“Obviously the weather can change, but we’re optimistic.”

Paramotoring has become a familiar sight over the area in recent years. It involves people strapping in to a motor attached to a gliding wing and soaring up to 2,000ft.

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