Issued: 1000hrs Tuesday 25th April 2017
Duty forecaster: Garry Nicholson

Most rain in west, very little east

Cold and showery conditions during midweek will ease by the weekend, as winds turn round to the south. Fronts moving in from the Atlantic bring a risk of rain to western regions over the May Day weekend, although very little may reach the east. Next week is expected to see dry weather return, and becoming warmer.

For the weather for the next few days click here

Friday 28/04/17
A ridge of high pressure lies to the south-west, whilst a fairly cool north-westerly pattern affects Britain & Ireland. A mix of sunshine and scattered showers, which may locally band together, mainly near western coasts in the morning, then inland eastern areas by afternoon. Some places may see rain on and off for several hours, whilst nearby stays largely dry. Temperatures 9 to 14C, warmest south & south-west.

Saturday 29/04/17
High pressure becomes centred toward the east of Britain, whilst low pressure tries to encroach in from the Atlantic. A fair day for many places with spells of sunshine, and feeling warmer. Cloud tending to thicken in the west, and rain may develop later across Ireland and perhaps far western parts of Britain. A freshening south to south-easterly breeze. Highs 12 to 16C.

Sunday 30/04/17
Detail and timing is uncertain, but low pressure is likely to develop from the south-west. Fronts spread slowly north-eastwards to bring rain, which may set in for several hours across western regions, heavy at times. East & north-eastern Britain should escape dry most or possibly all day. Blustery winds, mainly south-easterlies, strongest around the Irish Sea & south-west. Highs 11 to 15C.

Monday 01/05/17
Weakening fronts are likely to pass erratically eastwards, bringing areas of rain or showers, although detail is uncertain, and very little may reach eastern counties. Occasional sunshine, perhaps improving from the west through the day. Breezy, winds south-east turning south-westerly. Highs 11 to 15C.

Tuesday 02/05/17
High pressure to the east is likely to bring largely dry weather into the middle of next week. The remnants of previous fronts may bring a lot of cloud, and a little rain. Feeling warmer, highs 13 to 17C.

Wednesday 03/05/17
High pressure centred over Scandinavia should influence much of the country and bring fair weather to many places. Partly cloudy skies, but some sunshine. Highs 13 to 18C.