Met Office weekend weather: Will the dry weather continue, or is a change on the horizon?

Will the the recent spell of dry weather continue, or is a change on the horizon?

According to the latest forecast from the Met Office, the weather is set to take a turn, with rain and wind making a return for many areas. Here’s a detailed look at what to expect for Saturday and Sunday, and how best to prepare for the changing conditions.

High pressure holds on, but changes are coming

Saturday will begin under the influence of a persistent area of high pressure that has dominated the UK’s weather for some time. This “chunky” high pressure system will continue to keep things largely dry for much of the country through the day. However, out in the Atlantic, the weather is beginning to shift, with low pressure edging closer to our shores.

Cloud, breeze, and the first signs of rain

While most places will enjoy a dry start, the approach of a weather front from the west will gradually introduce more cloud and a strengthening breeze, particularly in western areas. The isobars, lines of equal atmospheric pressure, will begin to squeeze together as the low pressure pushes up against the high, resulting in a noticeable increase in wind, especially across western regions.

Northern Ireland will be the first to see a change, with cloud thickening and outbreaks of rain developing during the day. Elsewhere, the majority will remain dry, though one or two light showers are possible, particularly over eastern England. The increased breeze may actually help to brighten things up in some areas, breaking up the cloud and allowing for occasional sunny spells.

Temperatures and how it will feel

Temperatures on Saturday are expected to be similar to those seen throughout the week, with highs of 15 or 16°C possible where any weak sunshine breaks through. However, as the breeze picks up, especially in the west, it may feel a little cooler than the thermometer suggests. If you’re heading out in Northern Ireland, Wales, or western Scotland, be prepared for outbreaks of rain edging in as the day progresses. By Saturday evening, some of this rain may also reach Devon, Cornwall, and parts of northwest England.

Saturday night: Rain spreads east

As Saturday night unfolds, the rain will continue to move eastwards, gradually affecting more of the UK. While many central and eastern areas will stay dry for much of the evening, the wet weather will eventually make its presence felt, setting the stage for a soggy start to Sunday.

A yellow weather warning for rain has been issued for Northern Ireland from midnight to 12pm on Sunday. Heavy rain will spread across the whole of Northern Ireland on Saturday night, gradually clearing to the east on Sunday morning. The rain will be heaviest in the southeast, covered by the warning area, where 20-30 mm is expected to accumulate widely. Over the Mournes 60-100 mm could build up, much of this falling in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Sunday: Wet and windy for many

Sunday will see a marked change as a new set of weather fronts sweeps across the country, giving the rain a renewed push. The isobars will squeeze together even further, signalling a wet and windy start to the day for much of the UK. While parts of eastern England may begin the morning dry, by mid-morning, around 9 or 10am, rain is expected to reach even into East Anglia.

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Sunday is shaping up to be a wet day overall, with some heavy bursts of rain likely, especially over western Scotland, Northern Ireland, parts of Wales, and southwest England. However, as the day progresses, the west may see a slight improvement, with the rain easing and a mix of dry and bright spells developing, interspersed with showers. Winds may also begin to ease a touch during the afternoon, but it will remain breezy for most.

Temperatures and how it will feel

Temperatures on Sunday will be similar to Saturday, but the combination of rain and wind will make it feel more humid and, at times, rather unpleasant. The wet and windy conditions are likely to persist into the week ahead, so it’s worth keeping an eye on the latest forecasts if you have outdoor plans.

What does this mean for you?

If you’re planning to be out and about this weekend, Saturday offers the best chance for dry weather, especially in central and eastern areas. However, those in the west should be prepared for rain and a brisk breeze, particularly later in the day and into the evening. Sunday looks to be a day for waterproofs and sturdy umbrellas, with widespread rain and wind affecting much of the country.

The unsettled theme is set to continue into the following week, with further spells of wet and windy weather likely. As always, stay up to date with the latest Met Office forecasts and warnings to ensure you’re prepared for whatever the weather brings.

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