High pressure continues to dominate the UK weather through the week ahead, bringing plenty of dry and settled conditions for many.
However, the exact position of this high will be key in determining how the weather feels from day to day, particularly in terms of wind strength, cloud cover and temperatures.
While there will be long spells of dry weather and sunshine, the week is not completely without interest. Stronger winds at times, chilly nights in some areas and a growing chance of showers later in the week will all play a part in shaping the forecast.
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Stronger winds developing into Wednesday
On Wednesday, the strengthening wind will be most noticeable along the southern coast of England and across parts of England and Wales, where gusts could be near gale force in more exposed locations, especially over hills and higher ground. Central and northern Scotland will see lighter winds by comparison.
Despite the wind, Wednesday will be a largely fine day. Any cloud along eastern areas should break up, allowing brighter conditions to develop. Shetland is likely to see an improvement with some sunshine, though cloud may thicken again later in the day. Across the far southwest, including the Isles of Scilly and Cornwall, there is a chance of some showery rain later in the afternoon.
Temperatures will again depend on shelter and wind direction. In sheltered western areas, values could reach the high teens or even around 20°C, while eastern coastal areas remain cooler.
Thursday: warmer air and increasing cloud in the west
As the high pressure slowly drifts towards Denmark, the UK draws in more of a south-easterly flow. This brings another day of largely dry and settled weather for many, but with some subtle changes.
Winds will strengthen again, particularly across eastern Scotland, while a brisk south-easterly breeze persists more widely elsewhere. Early cloud and some showery rain are likely across the far south-west at the start of the day, affecting parts of Cornwall, south Devon and Pembrokeshire.
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This cloud and patchy rain will gradually move northwards through the day, brushing parts of the west, including Northern Ireland and western Scotland. However, for much of England and eastern Scotland, Thursday will remain dry with sunny spells.
Temperatures trend a little higher, especially away from exposed coasts. Eastern areas may see highs in the mid-teens, while sheltered western parts of Wales, central southern England and western Scotland could reach the high teens or low twenties.
Friday: turning more unsettled in places
By Friday, high pressure continues to weaken, allowing more unstable air to move in from the west. The day is likely to start dry and bright for many parts of England and eastern Scotland, though it will remain breezy, particularly along eastern coasts.
As the day wears on, showers are expected to become more widespread across Scotland and parts of north-west England, with further cloud and showery rain also affecting Northern Ireland. There is some uncertainty regarding how far east these showers will spread, and some areas of England and Wales may stay largely dry.
Where showers do develop, a few could be heavier, bringing the risk of downpours and isolated thunderstorms. Despite this, it will still feel warm in any sunshine, with highs of around 21 or 22°C possible in parts of southern England, and high teens more widely elsewhere.
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.
