As we approach the weekend, the UK’s weather is set for a notable shift.
After a cold week marked by widespread frost and chilly days, milder but more unsettled conditions are on the horizon. Weather fronts from the Atlantic are poised to bring cloud, rain, and even a touch of hill snow, with significant regional variation expected.
Here’s a detailed look at what to expect across the country this weekend, based on the latest meteorological guidance.
Friday night: transition begins
The transition to milder, wetter weather starts on Friday night. The persistent northerly winds that have dominated the week will give way to a more westerly or south-westerly flow. This change in wind direction is significant, as it signals the arrival of Atlantic weather systems. As these fronts move in, cloud cover will increase, and outbreaks of rain are likely to develop, particularly in western areas. Some higher ground may even see a brief spell of snow as the system pushes through.
Saturday: cloud, rain, and some brighter spells
By Saturday morning, much of the UK will be under cloud and rain. However, the southeast may start the day dry, albeit cold. As the day progresses, many areas will see an improvement, with cloud breaking to allow for some sunny spells, especially in eastern Scotland, northern England, and parts of the Midlands. Despite these brighter intervals, further showery rain is expected to move into Northern Ireland, Wales, and the southwest later in the day.
How long is this cold spell going to last?
— Met Office (@metoffice) November 19, 2025
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The southeast and East Anglia are likely to remain dull and damp into the afternoon, with winds strengthening as the weather system moves through. Temperatures will be a touch higher than earlier in the week, but the combination of a cold start and increasing cloud will mean it still feels rather fresh. By the end of the day, the southwest could see temperatures reaching double figures, but elsewhere it will remain on the chilly side.
Sunday: complex weather patterns and gusty winds
Sunday’s forecast is more complicated, with significant uncertainty in the weather models. The jet stream is expected to split over the Atlantic, leading to some uncertainty about which weather system will dominate. The latest indications suggest that a secondary area of low pressure will become the main feature, moving in from the Atlantic during Saturday night and into Sunday.
This low pressure is forecast to sit across Northern Ireland before spreading into England and Wales by Sunday morning. If this scenario unfolds, tightly packed isobars across the southwest will indicate the potential for strong, gusty winds. The European ECMWF model suggests this low could be deeper and more intense than the Met Office model, which would mean a slower-moving system with more pronounced impacts.
Rain, showers, and cloud for many
Regardless of the precise track of the low, Sunday looks set to bring showers or longer spells of rain to many areas, particularly close to the centre of low pressure and especially in the southwest. Strong and gusty winds are likely in these regions, making it feel less pleasant despite slightly higher temperatures. Most areas will experience showers on and off throughout the day, with a good deal of cloud cover persisting.
By Sunday, temperatures will have edged up a little further, reaching around 9 to 12°C in the southwest, but only close to the seasonal average elsewhere. However, the strength of the wind, especially in the southwest, will mean it won’t feel much warmer than it has done recently.
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.
