Met Office daily weather: A bright start gives way to unsettled conditions

A bright start gives way to unsettled conditions

Thursday will begin on a bright and chilly note across much of the United Kingdom. Early sunshine will quickly give way to increasing cloud and strengthening winds from the west. Rain will develop through the day, initially affecting northern, western and central areas. The most persistent and, at times, heavy rain is expected over parts of Northern Ireland and Scotland.

As the day progresses, winds will become a notable feature, especially in western regions where coastal gales are likely to develop. Despite the unsettled weather, it will feel a little milder than Wednesday, with maximum temperatures similar to today in the east and slightly higher in the west. Most areas will see temperatures near average for the time of year, with local highs of 15°C possible in the far south and west, though much of Scotland will remain a little below average.

As we move into Thursday night, spells of rain—heavy at times—will continue to move eastwards across the country. Behind the rain, clearer spells will develop, but these will be accompanied by showers, some of which may be heavy, particularly in the west. Winds will remain strong, with coastal gales mainly affecting northern and western areas. It will be a milder night than of late, with temperatures holding up well compared to Wednesday night.

Outlook for Friday

By Friday, the rain will clear away to the northeast by late morning, making way for a day of heavy, squally showers. Some of these showers will be accompanied by thunder, and may fall as organised bands moving quickly to the northeast. These bands are capable of bringing hail and locally very gusty winds.

While coastal gales will continue, especially in the west, temporary gusts exceeding gale force are possible around the heaviest showers and may not be confined to coastal areas. Temperatures will be near or slightly above normal for the time of year.

Met Office presenter and meteorologist, Honor Criswick, said: “We are set for quite a chilly start as we head into Thursday. Not only this, but there could be some mist and fog in places, too. Now, for a time it should be dry, bright, any mist and fog clearing away. But eventually, we'll see more cloud push in from the west creating more hazy spells of sunshine.

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“Also, along with this cloud, we'll see some blustery weather particularly across Northern Ireland and also some spells of rain. This could be quite heavy. So, Northern Ireland, western areas of Scotland, also northwest England will catch some of this rain by the afternoon. Turning quite blustery, particularly around western coasts, a chance of gales here, particularly later into the afternoon. And still feeling fairly cool. Highs once again only reaching around 14 to 15°C. But in that wind feeling chillier still.

“Now, as low pressure continues to push in from the west, we'll see more and more of this rain push into western areas, slowly edging its way eastwards, we'll see those winds really pick up, too. So, that leads us into quite an unsettled end to the week as low pressure still very much the dominating force. And notice the amount of isobars on that chart, too. So, it is going to remain quite blustery and also with some spells of rain as we head our way closer into Halloween.”

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