As we approach the weekend, parts of the UK are set for another spell of unsettled weather.
While some areas will experience persistent rain and the risk of disruption, others can look forward to drier and brighter spells.
There is more rain to come this weekend, with some regions facing very wet conditions with an Amber warning issued for parts of Cumbria on Sunday and Monday. However, it will not be a washout everywhere. For many, especially in the south and east, the weekend will be largely fine, with only occasional showers. The key message is variability: while some will need their umbrellas, others may enjoy a dry and bright couple of days.
Temperatures: mild for December
Despite the unsettled outlook, temperatures will be fairly mild for the time of year. The lowest values are likely to be recorded on Saturday morning, following the passage of a cold front on Friday night. This front will introduce a brief spell of chillier air, but it will not last long. By Saturday night and into Sunday, milder air will return from the southwest, pushing temperatures back into double figures for most by Sunday afternoon.
The role of the jet stream and low pressure
A lively jet stream high above the Atlantic is driving a succession of low-pressure systems towards the UK.these systems are bringing with them a series of weather fronts which means wet and windy conditions, particularly in western areas. As these weather fronts move through on Saturday night and into Sunday, the risk of heavy rain and brisk winds will increase, especially in the west.
You may have noticed the word "mild" being used in forecasts a lot recently...
— Met Office (@metoffice) December 11, 2025
This is because temperatures today and through the week have been well above average for this time in December 🌡️
And the mild theme will continue for many into the weekend pic.twitter.com/ka7X0Aje7U
Saturday: a chilly start, then milder
Saturday morning will start on a chilly note, something that has been in short supply for much of December. Pockets of frost are likely across southern counties of England, with mist and even a few fog patches possible in the south early on. These may take some time to clear. The first of the weekend’s weather fronts will arrive in northwest Scotland, bringing a very wet day along the west coast. Cloud will increase, with outbreaks of rain spreading to Northern Ireland and patchy rain reaching North Wales and the far north of England.
Elsewhere, most of England and Wales will remain dry and bright for much of the day, with some sunshine, especially early on. That sunshine may turn hazy by the end of the day as cloud increases. Despite the chilly start, temperatures will rise by the afternoon, generally reaching double figures, 10 to 12°C in many places, which is a degree or so above average for the time of year. Northern and western Scotland will also see temperatures a few degrees above average, though it may not feel particularly pleasant with the wind and rain.
Saturday night into Sunday: rain intensifies
The wet weather will intensify as another weather system arrives hot on the heels of the first. This will bring further rain to Northern Ireland, western Scotland, and northwest England during Saturday night and into Sunday morning. The rain is likely to dip south into parts of Wales by Sunday. The Met Office has issued yellow warnings for rain, particularly over the hills, where 80 to 100 millimetres could fall in some places. With the ground already saturated, there is a risk of further disruption from flooding, especially in upland areas.
Sunday: rain eases for some, stays mild
On Sunday, large parts of the south and east will remain dry in the morning, with eastern England likely to stay fine throughout the day. However, the rain will slowly edge southwards, and there is some uncertainty about the exact position of the weather front. It could lie a bit further north or south, but the heaviest rain is expected to build up over the hills of Cumbria and North Wales. Western Scotland and Northern Ireland may see drier conditions by the afternoon as the rain clears.
READ MORE: 10-day trend: Brief periods of mild, drier weather but rain on the way
Further south and east, many places will stay dry and breezy, with temperatures climbing back into the teens in some locations. The northwest may turn a little fresher as blustery showers arrive later on Sunday. Overall, the mild theme continues into the start of next week. A number of yellow weather warnings have been issued for Sunday into Monday.
Weather warnings and potential impacts
With the ground already wet from previous rainfall, the additional rain falling this weekend could lead to further disruption, particularly in hilly areas where rivers may rise quickly. The Met Office has issued yellow warnings for rain, and people in affected areas should stay up to date with the latest forecasts and be prepared for possible travel delays or localised flooding.
Looking ahead, the mild and unsettled pattern is likely to persist into much of next week. Further spells of rain and brisk winds are expected, especially in the west and northwest. However, there will also be drier and brighter interludes, particularly in the south and east. Temperatures are set to remain above average for the time of year, with only brief cooler spells between weather systems.
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.
