Issued: 1000hrs Monday 9th January 2017
Duty forecaster: Garry Nicholson

Staying cold through weekend

A dramatic drop in temperature will take place by Thursday as cold Arctic air spreads from the north-west. Heavy snow and hail showers will affect the west & north during Thursday and Friday. Thunder and lightning is possible locally. Bands of snow may spread into central areas at times. Some travel disruption is likely.

For the weather for the next few days click here

Thursday 12/01/17
Strong west to north-westerly winds will bring frequent heavy showers to west & northern Britain. These will fall to low levels as snow or hail, giving possible accumulations and transport disruption. Isolated thunder, particularly near coasts. Central, eastern & southern counties should escape mainly dry, with sunny spells. Temperatures 2 to 6C - feeling bitterly cold in the wind.

Friday 13/01/17
The wind is likely to turn north to north-westerly, maintaining cold air across the country. Bands of snow showers are likely to pass south-eastwards overnight, which may lead to a covering of snow in many areas, particularly in the north. During the day, showers will be most frequent around coasts in the north, west & perhaps east. Sunny spells away from showers. Cold in the wind. Highs 1 to 5C.

Saturday 14/01/17
Detail is uncertain by the weekend, but chilly weather remains likely. Further snow showers are expected, particularly in the north. A frontal system trying to approach from the west may bring rain preceded by snow to western regions, which may bring milder air to the south-west. Winds easing slightly. Highs 2 to 6C.
 

Sunday 15/01/17
Staying cold for many, with a mix of sunshine and wintry showers. Northern areas may see a widespread frost. The south & south-west may become somewhat milder. Temperatures between 2 and 7C.

Monday 16/01/17
Most indications favour less cold air arriving from the south-west, but some northern and eastern parts may hold onto cold conditions. A few showers, mainly in the north & west. Highs 4 to 10C.

Tuesday 17/01/17
High pressure to the south should bring relatively mild conditions by day, but a risk of frost overnight. A chance that the north & east may remain colder. Highs 5 to 10C.