Issued: 1000hrs Monday 1st January 2018
Duty forecaster: Garry Nicholson

Risk of gales, high seas

A wet and windy start to 2018, as a series of weather systems move across Britain from the Atlantic. Periods of heavy rain, and gale force winds at times. By the weekend, things are likely to become colder, with some snow possible. Briefly dry and frosty weather early next week, before things may then turn unsettled again.

For the weather for the next few days click here

Thursday 04/01/18
Light winds early in the day, but strengthening again from the south-west as another Atlantic low arrives. Clear and frosty at first in the north. A chilly day for northern Britain, but it may be dry and bright here. Fronts encroaching from the south-west brings rain and milder air to Ireland and south-western Britain. As rain moves north, it may give snow across northern hills. Highs 3 to 9C.

Friday 05/01/18
Broadly unsettled with low pressure in charge. Areas of persistent rain and hill snow spreading north & east across the country. Clusters of frequent heavy showers in the west. A risk of gales around western coasts. Locally bright with some sunshine, but most places will see rain at times. Temperatures ranging between 3 and 8C, mildest toward the south.
 

Saturday 06/01/18
Low pressure is expected to slip south across Britain, allowing colder air to spread from the north. Rain or snow, locally persistent. Generally windy, with possible gales. North to north-easterly winds developing. Brightest toward the north-west. Feeling cold. Highs 2 to 6C.
 

Sunday 07/01/18
High pressure building toward the north brings a likelihood of cold, clear and frosty conditions for northern Britain. Areas of wintry showers, but confidence of detail is low. Chilly northeasterly winds. Highs 1 to 5C.

Monday 08/01/18
Most likely staying cold, but details very uncertain. High pressure nearby brings dry and frosty weather for many, but some wintry showers are possible. Highs 1 to 5C.

Tuesday 09/01/18
Fronts may return from the west, bringing milder air and rain eventually, but there is a chance of snow for a time, especially over the hills. Highs 2 to 8C.