Issued: 1000hrs Wednesday 22nd February 2017
Duty forecaster: Garry Nicholson

Some improvement during next week, but possible frost

Stormy weather on Thursday will clear by Friday, but further wind and rain will affect the country over the weekend. Temperatures will become mild again, and Sunday looks like being the better day of the weekend for many. Next week stays changeable, although may improve with time.

For the weather for the next few days click here

Saturday 25/02/17
A brisk south-westerly wind affects the country, locally gale force in the west & north. Rain will persist most of the day for north-western Britain, heaviest over western hills. Rain also frequent across Ireland. Occasional rain spreads eastwards across central England, but the south & east should stay mainly dry. Cloudy skies for most, some brightness in the east. Mild overall, 9 to 12C.

Sunday 26/02/17
A mild south-westerly flow continues. Rain passes eastwards overnight, but should clear, leaving a dry and bright day for many places, best in the east. However, low cloud and drizzly rain in western regions is likely to turn increasingly persistent as fronts move back in from the Atlantic. The breeze freshening through the day, strongest in the west & north. Temperatures 9 to 13C, warmest in east.

Monday 27/02/17
Low pressure over the Atlantic moves closer to the British Isles, whilst various fronts push eastwards across the country. Some persistent and occasionally heavy rain is likely to spread to most places through the day. Rain most frequent in the west & south-west, accompanied by squally south-westerly winds. Driest & brightest toward the north-east, some sunshine. Highs 8 to 12C, mildest south-east.

Tuesday 28/02/17
A broad area of low pressure is expected to become centred across the British Isles, resulting in a generally unsettled day. Areas of rain and heavy showers will move around slowly, giving frequent rain for many hours in some areas. Meanwhile, some places may escape dry for many hours, but local detail uncertain. Blustery winds, particularly near coasts. Cool in rain, highs 6 to 10C.

Wednesday 01/03/17
Detail uncertain: Low pressure is likely to pull away slowly southwards, which may leave areas of showery rain across southern Britain. Pressure should build across northern Britain, bringing brighter skies and a largely dry day here. A cool start, local frost in the north. Daytime highs 6 to 10C.

Thursday 02/03/17
Confidence low: Pressure may well build to give drier weather to many places later in the week. A chance that further rain may try to move into south-western areas. Possible frost overnight, but fairly mild by day. Eastern areas may be cool. Highs 7 to 11C.