Issued: 0930hrs Thursday 16th February 2017
Duty forecaster: Garry Nicholson

Very mild early next week, then changeable

A mild west to south-westerly weather pattern will dominate over the next few days and into early next week. Temperatures will feel pleasantly spring-like at times, and there will be some sunshine. However, it will be often windy in the north, and things are likely to become cooler and more unsettled by the middle of next week.

For the weather for the next few days click here

Sunday 19/02/17
A mild westerly flow influences the British Isles. Partly cloudy skies, but some sunshine, generally best in eastern regions. Dry for many places all day. Cloud will thicken from the west as a warm front moves in from the Atlantic. Drizzly rain develops around western coasts, where it becomes increasingly murky, and rain later turns persistent. A westerly breeze, strongest in the north. Mild for all, highs 10 to 13C.

Monday 20/02/17
Low pressure will be centred north of Scotland, whilst a broad warm sector resides across much of Britain. Mainly dry. Low cloud and drizzly rain across western coasts and hills - the rain most persistent in western Scotland. Eastern Britain fares best for broken cloud and sunshine. A strong westerly breeze, perhaps reaching gale force in the north later. Very mild, 10 to 13C, locally 15C to the lee of high ground in the east.

Tuesday 21/02/17
An active depression is expected to move eastwards into Scandinavia, whilst pressure builds from the south-west across Britain. Risk of gales in the north-east at first, but should ease. Cloud and outbreaks of rain, mainly in the west, whilst much of the country should stay dry. Brightest toward the south-east. Staying mild, between 10 and 14C.
 

Wednesday 22/02/17
Low pressure to the north-west of Britain is likely to deepen, bringing strengthening westerly winds, particularly to northern areas - possible gales. Risk of heavy rain setting in for western Scotland, whilst patchy rain develops elsewhere, mainly in the west. Driest and brightest in the south & south-east. Slightly cooler, 7 to 12C.

Thursday 23/02/17
Timing uncertain, but a band of heavy rain is likely to pass south & east across the country, and may persist for many hours locally. Becoming cooler from the north, with a mix of sunshine and showers, which may turn wintry over the Scottish Highlands. Blustery winds, risk of gales. Highs 6 to 11C.

Friday 24/02/17
Cooler and showery conditions toward the end of the week. Locally frequent rain, but also some drier and brighter areas. Risk of snow on northern hills. Temperatures 5 to 10C.