Weather and climate change

Headline:

Storm Dave arrives later, turning wet and very windy.

Today:

Cloudy with outbreaks of rain moving north during the day as Storm Dave arrives. The rain becoming heavy and persistent in the northwest later. Strengthening winds for all with gales and severe gales developing, particularly in the north and west.

Tonight:

Very windy with gales and perhaps severe gales across parts of Northern Ireland, Scotland and northern England for a time. Outbreaks of rain, with snow over modest hills across Scotland.

Sunday:

Cloud, rain and hill snow across the far northeast clearing, as winds continue to ease. Sunny spells and blustery showers for many, but southern areas may to stay dry. Chilly.

Outlook for Monday to Wednesday:

A frosty start on Monday but dry with long sunny spells. Similar on Tuesday, but turning cloudier across the northwest with some rain, this spreading southeast on Wednesday. Becoming warm.

Updated: 04:00 (UTC+1) on Sat 4 Apr 2026

Rather changeable conditions are expected through this period, as Atlantic frontal systems track eastwards across the UK, accompanied by some strong winds at times. These will bring occasional spells of rain or showers, heaviest and most frequent in the west and northwest, with longer drier interludes likely in the south and sheltered eastern areas. Whilst temperatures will be close to average for the period as a whole, there may be opportunities for some short-lived warm spells in the south and east. Conversely, occasional colder interludes in the northwest will bring the chance of some wintry showers, especially to hills, and overnight frost.

Updated: 13:00 (UTC+1) on Fri 3 Apr 2026

It is probable that more blocked, or at least slowly evolving, weather patterns will become increasingly dominant through the middle of the month. Whilst confidence is low, this may result in more settled and drier conditions overall. There may, however, still be some more unsettled interludes at times, especially in the south and southwest. Temperatures will probably be around or a little above normal for the period as a whole, and its possible we may see some pleasantly warm spring weather at times.

Updated: 14:00 (UTC+1) on Fri 3 Apr 2026