Largely fine and settled weekend weather is expected across much of the UK before conditions change markedly on Sunday.
While northwestern areas turn wet and windy, southern and eastern parts of England could become very warm or locally hot.
The contrasting conditions will be driven by a change in the position of the jet stream. High pressure will bring a quieter start to the weekend, but an area of low pressure will then move to the north and west of the UK, drawing warmer air northwards while bringing rain and strong winds to some areas.
A fresh but fine start to Saturday
Saturday is likely to begin on a relatively fresh note, with temperatures lower than during some recent mornings. Many places will then enjoy a dry day with plenty of sunshine and generally light winds.
Some cloud will develop across western areas later in the day as the first signs of the approaching Atlantic low-pressure system begin to arrive. Northern Ireland and other western parts of the UK are most likely to see this increase in cloud, but much of the country should remain fine and relatively calm.
After the cool start, temperatures will rise steadily. The highest values are expected across southern areas, where temperatures could reach 23°C or 24°C. Farther north, temperatures will generally remain in the mid to high teens. Overall, values will be close to the seasonal average, making Saturday the better day of the weekend for widespread dry weather and outdoor plans.
A major northwest-to-southeast contrast on Sunday
Conditions will change during Saturday night and into Sunday as a deep area of low pressure moves north and west of the UK. Southerly winds ahead of the system will draw warm air from continental Europe towards England and Wales. Meanwhile, associated weather fronts will bring rain and strengthening winds to northern and western areas.
Bands of heavy and showery rain are expected to move into the north and west during the early hours of Sunday. Rain will continue through the day across Northern Ireland, the Highlands, southwestern Scotland and parts of Cumbria, including the Lake District.
The highest rainfall totals could reach around 50 to 60mm, although there is some uncertainty over exactly how much will fall and where the wettest conditions will occur. Sunday will nevertheless be considerably wetter in the northwest than in the southeast.
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Strong winds in the northwest
Winds will strengthen around the area of low pressure, with gale-force winds possible across northwestern parts of the UK. Gusts could exceed 50mph for a time, potentially bringing some disruption.
Northern and western areas can therefore expect a cloudy, wet and windy Sunday. Anyone with plans in these areas should keep up to date with the latest forecast as the details continue to be refined.
Temperatures climb in the south and east
The picture will be very different across much of England and Wales. Most places will remain dry, although cloud may develop near the south coast before spreading into parts of the Midlands and southern and eastern England. Any rain reaching the ground is considered unlikely.
Temperatures are expected to rise into the mid-20s widely across England and Wales. Central and eastern England could reach 28°C or 29°C, with only a low chance of 30°C if cloud remains limited. Sunday’s warmth is expected to be brief, with cooler conditions likely to return next week.
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.
