The weather through this weekend is set to remain changeable, with conditions swinging between colder, brighter spells and milder, wetter interludes.
Although no widespread severe weather is expected, there will be a fair amount of movement in the atmosphere, driven by a series of low-pressure systems and occasional ridges briefly settling things down. As a result, both Saturday and Sunday will offer a mix of opportunities to get outdoors, along with some periods where waterproofs and warmer layers will come in handy.
The broader pattern
A succession of Atlantic systems continues to influence our weather. Low pressure moves through on Friday and is slow to clear during the first part of Saturday. This is followed by a short-lived ridge—a small area of higher pressure bringing a temporary respite—before the next frontal system approaches from the west. Another brief ridge then builds ahead of yet another low-pressure system due later in the weekend.
All of this is being driven along by a brisk jet stream originating from North America, helping to maintain the unsettled theme. After a predominantly mild week, colder air moves in behind the first departing low, giving Saturday a noticeably cooler feel, particularly in the north. By Sunday, however, milder air begins to rebuild from the southwest.
Saturday: a cooler but brighter day for many
Saturday is expected to be the drier day of the weekend for most areas. The day starts on a cold note across Scotland and Northern Ireland, where clear skies overnight allow temperatures to fall well below freezing in some spots. Where snow remains on the hills, the cold will feel particularly sharp. Despite the chilly start, these areas will see a generally bright morning with good spells of sunshine.
Across eastern England the story begins differently, with extensive cloud and some patchy drizzly rain lingering from the previous system. The timing of the clearance here remains a little uncertain, and it may take until the afternoon before the cloud fully breaks. Once it does, there will be brighter intervals, although some areas may keep the cloud for much of the day.
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Elsewhere, many central and southern areas will experience a largely dry Saturday with sunny spells. A few showers are possible in parts of northern England as well as southern and central Scotland, but these are expected to be scattered and brief. Overall, it will be a cool day compared to much of the week, with temperatures around or slightly below the seasonal average. Even so, the brightness will help it feel pleasant at times, especially in sheltered spots.
During the afternoon, cloud will thicken across Northern Ireland, Wales and southwest England as the next weather system approaches. This will bring an increasing breeze and some patchy rain, gradually spreading eastwards. Most eastern areas, however, should stay dry well into the evening.
If you have Saturday evening plans, be aware that rain will continue moving into western parts of the UK. Though not especially heavy, it will make conditions rather damp. Northern Ireland may turn a little drier for a time later in the evening, but further pulses of rain are likely to follow.
Saturday night: rain and strengthening winds
Overnight, the incoming frontal system becomes more organised, pushing rain across many western and central areas. The tightening of the isobars indicates strengthening winds, particularly in exposed locations. This system draws in a warm sector from the southwest—an area of milder air that will become more noticeable by Sunday morning.
Although many eastern counties remain dry for much of the night, cloud will thicken here too, signalling the arrival of another unsettled day ahead.
Sunday: milder but more unsettled
Sunday likely begins grey for many areas, with thick cloud, a brisk wind and outbreaks of rain. Northeast Scotland may start dry, but this will be the exception. The early rain could ease in places as the morning progresses, offering some brighter breaks. However, the day overall looks to remain rather cloudy.
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Rain will return to parts of Northern Ireland and northwest Scotland later in the day as another pulse of moisture-laden air sweeps in. There is some uncertainty around its timing, but where it does arrive, the rain could be quite heavy, particularly towards Sunday evening and overnight.
Despite the cloud and occasional rain, temperatures on Sunday will climb higher than on Saturday. Many places will be two to four degrees warmer, with some areas nudging into the low teens. As a result, it will feel noticeably milder, especially where winds ease temporarily between weather systems.
The outlook and what to expect
The overarching theme for the weekend is one of variability. Saturday offers the better chance for dry weather and sunshine, though cooler conditions may be a reminder that early spring can still feel markedly fresh. Sunday becomes milder but also more unsettled, with cloudier skies and occasional rain making it a day where indoor plans might be more inviting.
For those travelling or spending time outdoors, keeping an eye on short-term updates will be helpful, especially regarding the timing of rainfall across western and northern areas. Layers will be key on Saturday due to the cool start, while waterproofs are likely to be useful on Sunday.
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