This weekend will bring a striking mix of weather across the UK, with sharp contrasts between north and south and further variations from one region to another.
While some areas enjoy dry, bright spells and surprisingly warm temperatures for early May, others will feel distinctly cold, with outbreaks of rain and even a chance of wintry weather on the highest ground. The overall picture is complex, shaped by slow‑moving weather fronts that are likely to linger and influence conditions for several hours at a time.
Outlook for Saturday
Many places will start Saturday on a dry note, particularly during the morning. It will feel chilly at first across Scotland and Northern Ireland, while conditions are noticeably milder further south. With some brighter spells developing early on, temperatures will begin to rise, especially across England and Wales, making it a warmer day than late in the working week for many.
As the day goes on, cloud will thicken and attention will turn to developing areas of rain and showers. One zone of rain is likely to affect parts of northern England, while further south, rising air will encourage heavy, slow‑moving showers to develop across parts of Wales, the Midlands and northern England. These showers will be hit and miss, but where they occur, rainfall could be heavy and persistent for a time.
Your wardrobe will be kept busy over the coming week, with temperatures fluctuating day to day 🧥
After the current cooler blip, it's turning warmer for some to end the week, but colder air returns from the north by the end of the weekend 📈📉 pic.twitter.com/e2XFgnxhaF— Met Office (@metoffice) May 6, 2026
Southern England, particularly eastern areas and East Anglia, looks set to hold onto brighter and drier conditions for longer, with good spells of sunshine. Here, temperatures could reach 20 or 21°C, feeling pleasantly warm in the sunshine. Breezier conditions near southern coasts may take the edge off slightly, but it will still feel markedly milder than further north.
In contrast, Scotland and Northern Ireland will remain on the cold side. Scattered showers will move through Scotland at times, while Northern Ireland is more likely to stay drier with sunny spells. Temperatures will struggle to reach double figures in some northern areas. Over the highest Scottish mountains, there is even a small chance of some snow, highlighting just how cold the air is aloft.
As night falls, skies will clear in a number of northern and western areas. With lighter winds and clearer skies, temperatures will drop sharply, bringing the risk of frost in some sheltered parts of Scotland, Northern Ireland and northern England. Elsewhere, cloud and outbreaks of rain will slowly sink southwards as a cold front moves through.
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Outlook for Sunday
Sunday marks a transition day as cooler air pushes further south across the UK. The morning will begin with outbreaks of rain affecting parts of Wales and the Midlands, gradually shifting south‑eastwards. For some areas in the south-east, including East Anglia, this rain may linger into the afternoon before eventually easing.
Behind the front, clearer skies will follow, helped by a weak ridge of high pressure extending across northern parts of the UK. Many areas from northern England through Northern Ireland, the Midlands and north Wales will see sunshine develop during the day, making it feel more pleasant once out of the wind.
Scotland will turn cloudier again, particularly in the far north, where showers or longer spells of rain are likely. Combined with brisk winds, temperatures here will remain subdued, generally reaching only 7 to 9°C. Further south, temperatures will also be lower than on Saturday, but with less rainfall and brighter spells, conditions may feel slightly more comfortable.
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