Weather and climate change

Headline:

Staying unsettled.

Today:

Rain across Scotland moving northwards, lingering across the Northern Isles with the risk of coastal gales. Elsewhere, low cloud and fog lifting whilst heavy showers, perhaps with hail and gusty winds, arrive into the southwest, spreading northeastwards to many areas.

Tonight:

Mostly cloudy with showery rain moving northwards. Fog developing in clearer slots. Winds moderating in the far northeast but strengthening in the southwest ahead of more organised rain later.

Monday:

A grey start with hill fog and patchy drizzle. Limited brighter breaks developing. Rain moves northeastwards, reaching Northern Ireland and southeast England by evening. Rather mild in the south.

Outlook for Tuesday to Thursday:

Remaining unsettled with further rain and showers for many. Wettest for eastern Scotland, southwest England and possibly Northern Ireland. Turning colder in the north from mid-week with some snow possible.

Updated: 04:00 (UTC) on Sun 8 Feb 2026

Predominantly cyclonic patterns are expected to dominate the UK. The early part of this period could see colder conditions becoming established more widely for a time, bringing with it the likelihood of some snow, primarily to the north and northeast. However this should offer a few days respite from the wet weather across the south. By the end of this period, the track of Atlantic depressions may shift a little further north than during the last few weeks. This will maintain broadly unsettled weather, with further spells of rain and perhaps strong winds at times. Many parts may become somewhat milder, given more of a westerly influence, though there remains the chance that colder conditions could linger towards the northeast.

Updated: 14:00 (UTC) on Sat 7 Feb 2026

Broadly changeable conditions are expected across the UK during this period. Low pressure systems will probably dominate, meaning showers or longer spells of rain, heavy at times, for much of the UK, and still the chance of some hill snow in the north. Some drier interludes are likely, though it must be said, flooding impacts remain possible given recent very wet weather. Windy conditions look probable from time to time. Temperatures probably close to or a little above average overall, with a reduced chance, compared to earlier thinking, of a late season prolonged cold spell.

Updated: 15:00 (UTC) on Sat 7 Feb 2026