Tuesday will start on a rather cloudy note for many, with outbreaks of rain or drizzle affecting western areas during the morning. These will gradually become more isolated through the afternoon, allowing some brighter or sunnier spells to develop, especially to the east of high ground. Elsewhere, cloud will be slower to break, particularly across parts of the west.

Winds will strengthen across northern areas as the day goes on, with brisk conditions developing and a risk of coastal gales later in the day. Despite the cloud at times, temperatures will be near to or a little above average for the time of year. In southern and eastern areas, any sunshine will make it feel pleasantly warm for late March.

Tuesday night will remain largely cloudy, with occasional light rain or drizzle continuing in the far west. More persistent and locally heavy rain is expected to reach far northern and north-western Scotland after midnight, accompanied by strengthening winds.

Outlook for Wednesday

On Wednesday, a band of rain will be slow-moving across northern Scotland during the morning, turning heavy at times before gradually moving southeast later in the day and easing. Elsewhere, it will stay rather cloudy for many, though most places will remain dry. Some light rain or drizzle may affect windward hills, particularly in the west.

The best chance of brighter or sunnier spells will again be found to the east of high ground. It will remain windy across northern areas, with a continued chance of gales along exposed coasts. Temperatures will be relatively mild for early April, although clearer conditions moving in from the northwest later will allow temperatures to fall, bringing a cooler feel by the end of the day.

Met Office presenter and meteorologist, Alex Deakin, said: “It will be a little warmer, but a rather grey and, in places, damp and drizzly start. There will be outbreaks of rain and drizzle over the Highlands, with some rain also affecting parts of north‑west England, Wales and south‑west England. A little drizzle or a few light showers may edge into eastern England for a time, but overall it should become drier through the day and start to brighten up.

“There’s a good chance the cloud will break in places to reveal some sunny spells. Winds will be lighter for most, though still brisk in the north‑west. It will feel noticeably milder than today, with temperatures reaching 13, 14 or 15°C quite widely. Where sunshine develops, such as parts of south‑east England and north‑east Scotland, highs could reach 16 or even 17°C. A mild‑feeling Tuesday overall, with the odd light shower into the evening, but most places staying dry. Later on, rain will begin to gather in the north‑west.”