Issued: 1000hrs Monday 24th April 2017
Duty forecaster: Garry Nicholson

Rain at times, becoming drier further ahead

A cold northerly pattern during the middle of this week brings heavy April showers to most regions. Later in the week, Atlantic weather systems will return, bringing a slow rise in temperature. Some rain is likely heading into the May Day weekend, but also some dry and bright weather as well.

For the weather for the next few days click here

Thursday 27/04/17
High pressure centred toward the west. Fronts move in from the Atlantic, gradually introducing milder air compared to previous days. Fairly cloudy, with occasional rain, mainly in northern regions. A few showers are possible almost anywhere, which could locally merge to a longer spell of rain. Likely driest toward the south-west. A west to north-westerly breeze. Top temperatures 9 to 12C.

Friday 28/04/17
A ridge of high pressure lies to the south-west, whilst a fairly cool north-westerly pattern continues to affect Britain & Ireland. A mix of sunshine and scattered showers, which may locally band together, particularly in 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 is likely to become centred toward the east over the weekend, whilst low pressure tries to encroach in from the Atlantic, although timing is uncertain. Saturday may bring a fair day to many places with spells of sunshine, and feeling warmer. Cloud tending to thicken in the west, and rain may develop later across Ireland and far western Britain. A southerly breeze. Highs 12 to 16C.

Sunday 30/04/17
Fronts are likely to spread in from the west & south-west to bring rain, which may set in for several hours across western regions, heavy at times. East & north-eastern areas should escape dry at least part of the day, but possibly all day. A freshening south to south-easterly wind. Highs 11 to 16C.

Monday 01/05/17
Weakening fronts are likely to pass eastwards, bringing areas of rain or showers, although detail is uncertain. Occasional sunshine, perhaps improving from the west through the day. A south-westerly breeze. Highs 12 to 16C.

Tuesday 02/05/17
High pressure to the east is likely to bring largely dry weather into the middle of next week. A warmer south to south-easterly flow may develop. Weak fronts bring a risk of rain in the west & north-west. Highs 13 to 17C.