As December arrives and meteorological winter begins, what's in store for the next 10 days?
The latest 10-day forecast tells a story of changeable conditions, with the UK set to experience a mix of wind, rain, and fluctuating temperatures. Let’s take a closer look at what to expect in the days ahead.
Jetstream drives the pattern
The current weather pattern is being shaped by the jet stream, which is meandering northwards before dipping down across the UK and into western Europe. This has helped to push away the cold air that brought a frosty start to Wednesday for many. As the jet stream shifts, milder air is moving in from the west, replacing the recent chill. At the same time, the jet stream is strengthening an area of low pressure approaching from the Atlantic.
Windy spells and rain on the way
This area of low pressure is expected to track just north of the UK, towards the Faroes, but will still bring very windy weather to northern areas from Thursday into Friday. A weather front will also move through on Thursday, bringing cloud and rain to many places. The most notable feature, however, will be the strong, gusty winds, particularly across northern and western Scotland, where warnings are in place. Gusts could reach 60–70 mph, and possibly up to 75 mph in exposed coastal spots.
A rather unsettled rest of the week, with showers and longer spells of rain at times 🌧️
— Met Office (@metoffice) November 26, 2025
Quite windy too, especially in the north 🍃 pic.twitter.com/qHTiRjdBXy
A brief milder interlude
Alongside the wind and rain, temperatures will rise on Thursday, with much milder air pushing in. Many areas will see values several degrees above average for the time of year, a stark contrast to the recent cold spell. However, this milder phase will be short-lived.
As the low-pressure system moves away to the northeast, colder Arctic air will return towards the end of the week and into the weekend. Temperatures will drop again, especially by Saturday and Sunday, with the risk of wintry showers over higher ground in Scotland.
Weekend uncertainty: Tracking the next low
Looking ahead to the weekend, another area of low pressure is set to develop, but there is uncertainty about its exact track and intensity. Forecast models show a range of possibilities, from a deep low bringing very windy conditions to the east of the UK and even parts of Belgium and the Netherlands, to a weaker system further south. The precise path will determine how severe the weather becomes, but strong winds and heavy rain are likely for some.
In addition to the wind, rainfall totals could be significant. Through Saturday, the highest amounts are expected in South Wales, southwest England, and up towards East Anglia and Lincolnshire. Some places could see close to 50 millimetres of rain in a short period. Further rain is likely on Sunday, and if the low tracks further north, the rain could also shift northwards. With colder air in place, there is a risk of sleet or snow, especially over higher ground in northern England and southern Scotland.
Early next week: Unsettled and variable
As we move into the start of December, the unsettled theme continues. Monday may begin with a brief ridge of high pressure, but another weather system is expected to bring heavy rain and strong winds later in the day. While rainfall totals may not be especially high on their own, any additional rain could exacerbate issues in areas already affected by wet weather over the weekend.
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Looking further ahead, the forecast suggests that low pressure will remain close to the UK, keeping conditions unsettled. There will be some drier spells, but wet and windy weather will be frequent. Forecast confidence is lower than usual, with several possible tracks for the low-pressure systems. The detail of where and when the worst weather will occur remains uncertain.
Temperatures: A roller coaster ride
After a chilly weekend, temperatures are likely to rise a little next week, reaching around average for early December. However, there are no signs of a prolonged mild spell, as colder air remains close to the north of the UK. The temperature pattern will be up and down, with London seeing a sharp rise followed by a gradual drop, and Edinburgh experiencing less dramatic changes but still some fluctuations.
In summary, the start of meteorological winter brings a typically unsettled picture. Low pressure will dominate, bringing spells of wet and windy weather interspersed with drier periods. Temperatures will fluctuate, with brief milder interludes followed by returns to colder conditions, especially in the north. The risk of impactful weather; strong winds, heavy rain, and even some wintry showers, remains high, and the Met Office will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as the situation evolves.
Keep up to date with weather warnings, and you can find the latest forecast on our website, on YouTube, by following us on X and Facebook, as well as on our mobile app which is available for iPhone from the App store and for Android from the Google Play store.
