Met Office daily weather: North-south divide as we head into the weekend

A changeable end to the working week is expected across the UK, with a marked contrast between northwestern and southeastern areas.

A changeable end to the working week is expected across the UK, with a marked contrast between northwestern and southeastern areas.

Friday will begin unsettled across Scotland and Northern Ireland, where it will be cloudy and windy with outbreaks of rain. The rain will be heaviest and most persistent across western and northwestern Scotland, particularly over windward hills and mountains. Coastal gales are likely along the west coast of Scotland, where a National Severe Weather Warning is in force. As the day progresses, this cloud and rain will gradually extend into parts of northwest Wales and northern England.

Elsewhere, much of central and southern England and Wales will enjoy a fine and dry day with plenty of warm sunshine. It will feel breezier than Thursday, but temperatures will rise, particularly across the south and east. Highs of 27-28°C are expected in parts of southeast England, well above average for the time of year. In contrast, northern areas will see temperatures similar to or slightly lower than Thursday, remaining near or just below seasonal norms.

READ MORE: Met Office 10-Day Trend: A repeating pattern of heat and showers

Friday night will see cloud and outbreaks of rain spreading southeastwards across much of the UK, with continued windy conditions in the north.

Saturday will be breezy for most, with large amounts of cloud and further outbreaks of rain or showers. These will be most frequent and persistent in western areas, especially over hills. However, to the lee of high ground, some brighter spells are likely. The far south may see a period of more persistent rain, and isolated heavy showers or thunderstorms could develop almost anywhere during the afternoon and evening.

Temperatures on Saturday will generally be around or slightly below average, following a mild night. However, where cloud breaks occur, particularly in the east and southeast, it will feel warm, possibly very warm and humid, with highs reaching the mid-20s.

Met Office presenter and meteorologist, Honor Criswick, said: “We'll really start to see those winds pick up on Friday morning. Across central areas, parts of the south, it should remain dry, and it should be a mostly bright start to the morning.

“Now, we're going to see a classic north-south split for the end of the week. Plenty of outbreaks of rain moving their way eastwards once again across Scotland, Northern Ireland, perhaps just starting to clip the far north of England later on into the afternoon. It's going to be quite heavy and blustery at times. Quite persistent outbreaks of rain, particularly across western Scotland where we have issued a yellow Met Office warning for rain.

“But elsewhere across England and Wales, once again, the dry weather is set to last. Sunny spells and feeling a tad warmer. Highs reaching around 26 to 27 degrees Celsius. Through into the evening, we will continue to see that persistent rain, particularly across western Scotland. We could see around 100 millimetres of rain over a 24-hour period.

“Some quite gusty winds creating some difficult driving conditions. So, do take care in these areas. Remaining mostly dry across central and southern parts. But notice these frontal systems starting to become a bit more widespread as we head towards the weekend. So, more rain, more showers for the beginning of Saturday and starting to see a return of that mild and muggy air mass. So, that might lead to an uncomfortable night Saturday night once again, returning more humid and muggy once again."

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.