Met Office daily weather: Shifting weather patterns to bring changing conditions

A shifting weather pattern brings a mix of conditions across the UK, with changes expected through Thursday and into the weekend. From cloud breaks to strengthening winds, here’s what to expect as the week progresses

Thursday will bring a mix of sunshine and showers across the UK, with conditions varying notably between regions. Northern Ireland and north-western Scotland can expect sunny spells interspersed with showers throughout the day. Early cloud and rain affecting eastern and southern Scotland, northern England and Wales will gradually clear, giving way to drier and brighter conditions from the west, although a few showers may linger.

Across eastern, southern and central England, the day will be mostly dry with a mixture of cloud and some bright or sunny spells, particularly during the morning and late afternoon. Winds will be breezy, especially in the far north where they are expected to strengthen later in the day. Temperatures will be near average for many, though it will feel cooler than Wednesday in north-west Scotland.

Thursday night will see clear spells and long clear periods across much of the UK, with a few showers continuing in northern and north-western areas. Heavier and more persistent rain will move into far north and north-west Scotland later in the night. Winds will remain strong in the far north, while easing elsewhere, particularly across southern regions. Temperatures will be close to average, though a change in air mass will bring a slightly cooler night compared to Wednesday.

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Outlook for Friday

Friday will begin with early cloud and the possibility of light rain or drizzle in the far south, but this will soon clear to leave many central and southern areas dry with bright or sunny spells. Northern and north-western Scotland will see further rain and showers, some of which may be heavy at times.

It will remain windy in the north, with a risk of coastal and upland gales around northern and north-western Scotland. Winds will be lighter further south. Temperatures will be near average in southern areas, while the north-west will feel rather cool under wetter conditions. Overall, temperatures will be unremarkable, with daytime values slightly above average in the southeast and a little below average in the northwest.

Met Office presenter and meteorologist, Alex Burkill, said: “There is a frontal system that will continue its progress south-eastwards as we go through Thursday, but it will go quite slowly and it's going to break up as it goes. So, across the far southeast, staying fine well until towards lunchtime and then just clouding over a bit as we go into the afternoon. Not very much, if any, rain arriving here and even across more central parts where that front is semi-lingering.

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“The rain is going to break up. So even some drier breaks developing as we go through the afternoon behind the front towards the northwest. Across parts of Scotland, Northern Ireland, northwest England and northwest Wales, things are going to be turning brighter. Yes, there will also be a scattering of showers and some of these could be a little bit on the heavy side and could be a little blustery at times too with slightly stronger winds, a little bit less sunshine and obviously the rain that's pushing through.

“It is going to feel a little bit fresher, but nonetheless, temperatures will still be peaking in the very high teens towards the north or perhaps even low 20s again towards eastern parts of Scotland and then low, possibly mid 20s towards the south. But as I say, not feeling quite as warm.

“As we go towards the end of the week and into this weekend, we’ll need to pay attention to a weather system that's pushing close towards the north of the UK. In fact, there are a couple of lows that are making their way in. One of them could be quite deep. And so, we could see some fairly wet and fairly windy weather again across the far north of the country. Overall, a lot of fine weather to be had and temperatures are rising as we go through this weekend and into the beginning of next week. It could be turning pretty hot for some of us.”

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