A largely cloudy start is expected across much of the UK on Monday, with occasional breaks in the cloud, particularly in the northwest and far south. Most areas will remain dry through the morning, although a band of mainly light rain will move across northern Scotland, gradually sliding south and southwest as the day progresses. Behind this band, northern and eastern parts will see brighter conditions develop, with more broken cloud and the chance of a few coastal showers.

Winds will be breezy, especially in southern and eastern areas, with a noticeable easterly or northeasterly component. Temperatures are forecast to be close to the seasonal average for most regions, providing a typical late December feel.

As we move into Monday night, the band of thicker cloud and occasional spots of rain will continue to drift southwest, eventually lying across southwest England by early Tuesday morning. Clearer conditions will follow behind, with variable cloud and clear spells. A few showers may persist along eastern coastal districts. Where skies clear, a widespread frost is likely to develop, particularly across Scotland and the west of Northern Ireland, where the frost could be moderate or even severe in the coldest spots. The breeze will persist in eastern and southern areas.

Outlook for Tuesday

Tuesday brings a generally dry day for most, with sunny spells and variable cloud cover. A few coastal showers are possible in the east and perhaps the far southwest. Later in the day, thicker cloud and patchy rain or drizzle will arrive into northern Scotland, where it will also turn breezy. Temperatures are expected to be near or just below average, maintaining a chilly feel.

Overnight into Wednesday, northern and northeastern Scotland will remain breezy, with cloud and patchy rain or scattered showers gradually spreading further south. Elsewhere, clear spells will allow for another widespread frost, which could be locally severe in western and northwestern areas, where isolated patches of freezing fog may also develop.

Met Office presenter and meteorologist, Greg Dewhurst, said: “For most, Monday will be another cloudy day with plenty of dry weather. A weak weather front may bring some light rain or showers along the east coast of England and Scotland, but most places will stay dry. The best of any sunny breaks will be across western parts of the UK, though these may be fleeting.

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“Temperatures will be similar to recent days, rising to around 6°C or 7°C, but may linger nearer freezing where fog persists through the central belt. Into the evening, there’s an increased risk of showers down eastern parts of England, pushing south and west but fading into the early hours. Clear spells will follow, with a widespread frost forming across Scotland, temperatures in the countryside could fall to around -6°C or -7°C, while towns and cities will be nearer freezing. Where cloud persists across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, temperatures will be around 3°C or 4°C, but any prolonged clear spells could see frost and fog forming.

“On Tuesday, it’s generally a dry start with plenty of sunny spells as the cloud hopefully breaks up more than in recent days. There’s a risk of a few showers around the coast, but most places will stay dry. Temperatures will reach 6°C or 7°C, though where fog lingers through the central belt, it could struggle to rise above 2°C or 3°C.”

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