Issued: 0930hrs Friday 27th January 2017
Duty forecaster: Garry Nicholson

Rain becoming frequent

A transition to a much milder weather pattern takes place this weekend as winds turn south-westerly. Rain from time to time during the week ahead, wettest toward the south-west. Later in the week, there is a risk of stormy conditions developing as low pressure systems intensify over the Atlantic.

For the weather for the next few days click here

Monday 30/01/17
Mild air spreads across the country from the south-west. Rain or drizzle, persistent in some areas, mostly toward the west, turning heavier across Northern Ireland and western Scotland later. Cloudy for most, driest and brightest toward the east & north-east. A strong southerly breeze, may increase to gale force in the north-west later. Around 7 or 8C in the far north, but up to 10 to 12C for most.

Tuesday 31/01/17
An area of low pressure moving north-east past Scotland brings a risk of gales in the early hours to the far north-west. Staying blustery into the daytime. A cold front passes slowly eastwards across Britain, bringing rain to many areas, some heavy bursts, most persistent in western regions, whilst only small amounts may reach the east. Temperatures 10 to 13C, may drop a little in north-west.

Wednesday 01/02/17
A mild southerly airflow continues to affect the British Isles. The remnants of previous rain slowly clears from the east, leaving dry and bright conditions for many. Further fronts are likely to spread from the Atlantic, bringing rain back to the far west later. Driest toward the north-east. Winds strengthening in the south-west, risk of gales later. Temperatures around 7 to 11C.

Thursday 02/02/17
Low pressure to the west & south-west of Britain brings unsettled conditions later in the week. Rain or heavy showers, spreading north-eastwards, heaviest in the west. Eastern regions may stay largely dry. Windy, risk of gales in the west & south-west. Mild at 8 to 12C.

Friday 03/02/17
Staying unsettled. A deep area of low pressure over the Atlantic brings strong to gale force winds, and areas of heavy rain or showers, wettest in the west. Driest toward the north-east. Temperatures 7 to 11C.

Saturday 04/02/17
Detail uncertain, but mild, wet and windy weather is expected to continue with low pressure in charge. Strong winds, possible gales. Highs 7 to 11C.