Issued: 0900hrs Wednesday 19th April 2017
Duty forecaster: Garry Nicholson

Showers frequent for a few days

High pressure in charge through this weekend brings plenty of dry weather. Temperatures will be fairly mild, but will drop from the north, and by next week a generally cold pattern is likely. Showers will spread from the north and become increasingly extensive and heavy, with snow and hail coming down to low levels at times. Frost overnight will be common.

For the weather for the next few days click here

Saturday 22/04/17
High pressure will be centred to the west, and builds across Britain through the day, whilst a weak cold front passes southwards. A dry day for most places, just a chance of local spots of rain from thicker cloud. Bright with some sunshine, generally best around western coasts in the afternoon, but inland cloud will be quite extensive. Light north-westerly winds. Temperatures 10 to 15C, warmest in the south-west.

Sunday 23/04/17
A frosty night is likely as skies clear. High pressure resides across the south, whilst low pressure north of Scotland will push fronts into the far north through the day. Generally dry for most, but showery rain or hill snow is expected in northern Scotland. Freshening west to south-westerly winds, later turning north-westerly. Highs 13 to 16C for most, but nearer 10 to 12C in Scotland.

Monday 24/04/17
A cold front drifts southwards, bringing showery rain and hill snow to north-western Britain and Ireland. Possible hail and thunder for Scotland, and snow may come down to low level in heavier showers. Southern Britain is likely to stay mostly dry with sunny spells, although a few showers are possible later. A north-westerly breeze, strongest north. Highs 8 to 13C, perhaps warmer far south.

Tuesday 25/04/17
A cold north to north-westerly wind is likely to produce a showery day for most regions, with some heavy bursts becoming locally frequent, plus hail or snow at times to low levels, particularly in northern Britain. Brief sunshine. Top temperatures just 7 to 10C, but colder where showers persist.

Wednesday 26/04/17
High pressure to the west builds slowly, whilst low pressure remains to the east. A cold pattern continues. Sunshine and wintry showers, these most frequent in eastern districts. Temperatures 7 to 11C, warmest on the south coast.

Thursday 27/04/17
High pressure builds further from the west, reducing the number of showers, although a few are still likely in the east. Frost overnight. Staying cool by day, highs 8 to 12C.