The next 10 days will continue to reflect the unsettled nature of early spring, with a repeated pattern of weather systems moving in from the north and west, interspersed with quieter, drier spells.
While there are signs that high pressure will increasingly influence the UK’s weather as we move into early April, temperatures are likely to fluctuate, and colder air will never be far away.
The bigger picture: jet stream and pressure patterns
A key driver of the forecast over the coming days is the position of the jet stream. It is expected to remain in an amplified pattern to the north and west of the UK. This configuration encourages low pressure systems to track close to or just north of the country, while areas of higher pressure build at times from the south and west.
High pressure generally brings drier conditions and lighter winds, while low pressure is associated with cloud, rain and stronger winds. Over the next 10 days, the UK is likely to sit between these competing influences, leading to a stop‑start feel to the weather rather than any prolonged settled spell.
Short term: chilly, then briefly milder
Through the remainder of the working week and into the weekend, winds are expected to have a predominantly north‑westerly component. This is a cooler direction for the UK and means temperatures will often sit a little below average for late March.
The weather is set to remain changeable into the weekend 🌦️🌈🌬️
— Met Office (@metoffice) March 25, 2026
Wet and windy weather will be interspersed by colder and more showery interludes. Saturday looks like being the brightest day of the weekend for most, with heavy rain and gales arriving for some on Sunday. pic.twitter.com/dSgT3ACVjC
Thursday is likely to begin dry and bright for many, especially across southern and eastern areas, with lighter winds making it feel less cold than earlier in the week. However, a weather front will push in from the north and west later in the day, bringing cloud, rain and some gusty winds.
That front continues to move south‑eastwards into Friday, bringing a damp start for some southern areas. While the air around the rain will be slightly milder, it will not feel particularly pleasant under cloud and brisk winds. Once the rain clears, colder air will follow again from the north‑west, particularly affecting Scotland, Northern Ireland and northern England.
Late March weekend: cold starts and scattered showers
Into the weekend, colder air remains in place, with a risk of frost at night and early in the morning, especially where skies clear and winds fall light. Showers are expected, most frequent in northern and western areas. In these regions, some showers could be wintry, with hail, sleet or snow over higher ground and the chance of brief flurries to lower levels at times.
Saturday looks like the better day of the weekend overall. High pressure is likely to exert more influence, bringing brighter conditions and fewer showers for many, particularly in the south. Temperatures will still be on the cool side, but sheltered sunshine should feel more pleasant.
Sunday sees another weather front moving in, bringing a more widespread spell of rain. Winds may become gusty around the front, and although temperatures could lift slightly, sunshine will be limited. Once again, any milder air is expected to be short‑lived.
Early next week: back‑and‑forth conditions
As we move into the start of next week, the pattern becomes familiar. A brief incursion of colder air follows Sunday’s front, leading to another chilly start to Monday with the risk of frost in places. High pressure then builds in again, bringing a drier and quieter spell, before the next Atlantic system approaches from the north and west.
This repetitive pattern highlights how finely balanced the atmosphere is at this time of year. Small shifts in the position of high pressure will make a big difference to who stays dry and who sees rain, particularly across north‑western parts of the UK.
READ MORE: Fool’s spring: why warm spells can be misleading
Turning into April: drier but not necessarily warmer
By the middle of next week and into the first few days of April, high pressure becomes more likely to dominate, particularly towards the south and south‑west of the UK. This increases the chance of more widely dry weather for a time, with fronts tending to track further north.
While this points towards a more settled feel overall, it does not guarantee a significant rise in temperatures. Forecast guidance suggests temperatures are most likely to sit around average, with a continued risk of cooler interludes if winds turn northerly or north‑westerly again.
What this means overall
In summary, the next 10 days bring a classic early spring mix. Expect periods of rain and stronger winds, especially in the north and west, alternating with drier, brighter spells when high pressure builds in. Temperatures will fluctuate, with cold nights and occasional frosts still possible, particularly before the end of March.
As April begins, the balance tips slightly towards drier conditions, and with the clocks going forward and days lengthening, there will be more opportunity to enjoy any sunshine that does develop. However, any sustained warmth looks less certain, and changeable conditions remain a key feature of the outlook.
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