Weather and climate change

Headline:

Dry on thursday but an unsettled Easter weekend expected.

Today:

Cloudy at first in the far southeast with light rain or drizzle, soon clearing. Mostly dry elsewhere with sunny spells. Cloud and rain spread into the northwest later, snow on Scottish hills, turning windy with possible coastal gales. Average temperatures.

Tonight:

Cloud, rain or drizzle move southeastwards, reaching most areas by dawn, though the far southeast staying dry. Snow affects Scottish hills. Increasingly windy with possible northern coastal gales.

Friday:

Rain spreads southeastwards which can be heavy on western hills. Brighter, showery weather follows into northern Scotland. Windy for many, with gusts near high ground. Mild south, colder north.

Outlook for Saturday to Monday:

Rain spreading north with strong winds and gales in the northwest. Sunshine and showers Sunday, still windy in north. Mostly dry Monday before rain reaches Northern Ireland later.

Updated: 04:00 (UTC+1) on Thu 2 Apr 2026

Rather changeable conditions are expected through this period, as a series of 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 Wed 1 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. Later in April, the probability of more changeable and unsettled weather increases. Temperatures will probably be around or a little above normal for the period as a whole.

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