This week’s weather forecast brings a mix of conditions across the UK, with some regions experiencing unsettled weather while others enjoy calmer spells.
As we head into the coming days, it is important to stay informed about the changing patterns, especially if you have travel or outdoor plans. The forecast highlights a transition from relatively settled conditions at the start of the week to more dynamic and unsettled weather as we approach the weekend.
Overview of the week
The start of the week will be relatively settled for most areas, with mild temperatures and light winds. Many regions can expect a calm beginning, with only isolated showers and plenty of dry spells, particularly in the south and east. However, as we move towards midweek, a series of Atlantic fronts will introduce more changeable conditions, especially in the north and west.
Rainfall will become more frequent in these regions, while southern and eastern areas will hold on to drier weather for longer. Temperatures are expected to remain close to seasonal averages, ranging from 6°C to 10°C during the day, with overnight lows dipping close to freezing in rural spots.
Will high pressure hold on for the week ahead, or is there a change on the way?
— Met Office (@metoffice) December 28, 2025
Here are all the details 👇 pic.twitter.com/YuSt5V9MId
Midweek changes
By Wednesday, a more active weather front is expected to move in from the Atlantic, bringing widespread rain to western areas and pushing eastwards through Thursday. This will mark a transition to more unsettled conditions nationwide. Winds will strengthen, particularly in exposed coastal locations, and temperatures will feel cooler under cloud and rain. The shift from settled to unsettled weather will be most noticeable in the north and west, where rain and wind will combine to create challenging conditions for travel and outdoor activities. A yellow national severe weather warning for snow and ice has been issued for Thursday, with some significant accumulations possible by Friday morning.
Met Office Deputy Chief Forecaster Mark Sidaway said: “It certainly looks like we are in for a taste of ‘winter’ as we welcome in the New Year, initially in the north, but more widely across the UK for the first week of 2026.
“Arctic air and strong northerly winds will bring cold or very cold conditions to all parts of the UK, and it will feel especially cold in the strong winds. Widespread and locally severe frosts are expected, along with the first snow of the winter for many.
“A yellow warning for snow and ice has been issued for northern Scotland on New Year’s Day and beyond, where frequent and heavy snow showers may lead to some travel disruption.
“These colder conditions and wintry hazards – snow, ice and strong winds – will develop more widely as we enter the New Year, with more warnings for snow and ice likely. It looks like this cold spell will last through at least the first week of January, so it’s important people keep up to date with the latest forecast and warnings.”
READ MORE: The year in weather: 2025
Weekend outlook
The weekend looks set to remain changeable, with further showers and longer spells of rain likely in the north and west. Southern areas may see some brighter intervals between showers, but the overall theme will be unsettled. Temperatures will stay close to average, though the combination of wind and rain may make it feel colder. The risk of heavy showers and gusty winds will persist, particularly in exposed areas, so it is advisable to plan accordingly if you are heading outdoors.
Regional breakdown
Northern Scotland and the Highlands are likely to see the most unsettled conditions this week. Showers will turn heavier at times and will be accompanied by brisk westerly winds. Coastal areas may experience gusts reaching 40 mph by Thursday, making it feel particularly raw and blustery. Western regions, including Northern Ireland and Wales, will also see periods of rain, especially later in the week as low-pressure systems track eastwards.
In contrast, southern England will start the week largely dry with sunny intervals, though cloud cover will increase by Friday as rain edges south. Eastern counties may experience occasional showers but will generally remain brighter than the west. Temperatures in the south will hover around 9°C to 11°C, while northern areas will be cooler, averaging 5°C to 7°C.
Advice for the public
Those planning outdoor activities should keep an eye on local forecasts, as conditions may vary significantly from one region to another. Waterproof clothing is advisable for those in northern and western areas, while southern regions can expect milder conditions suitable for lighter layers. Drivers should be prepared for wet roads and reduced visibility during heavier showers, particularly later in the week. It is also wise to check for any weather warnings that may be issued as the week progresses, especially if you are travelling through areas prone to heavy rain or strong winds.
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.
