Orkney & Shetland weather

Headline:

Cloudy with some light rain over Shetland. Dry over Orkney.

Today:

Mostly cloudy with light rain gradually clearing from Shetland later in the day. Some brighter interludes developing over Orkney, where it should stay dry. Moderate westerly breeze. Maximum temperature 9 °C.

Tonight:

It will be a dry evening and night. Shetland will stay cloudy, while a few clear intervals are likely across Orkney. Minimum temperature 5 °C.

Thursday:

A mainly dry and quite bright day with the cloud breaking at times to allow some sunny intervals. Light to moderate southwest breeze. Maximum temperature 8 °C.

Outlook for Friday to Sunday:

Friday mainly dry and bright but some rain later. Saturday bright, showery, colder northwest breeze. Sunday windy, occasional rain, milder again.

Updated: 04:00 (UTC) on Wed 11 Dec 2024

Sunday looks like being wet and windy in the north, especially western Scotland, whilst southern parts are likely to be dry, bright and breezy. All parts will be mild or very mild. Thereafter, while high pressure may try and build at times, especially in the south, the more likely scenario is for an unsettled regime to dominate. Occasional spells of rain followed by blustery showers are likely, these most frequent and perhaps wintry at times in the northwest. It may be quite windy at times too, especially towards the north. Southern areas have a greater chance of some lengthier drier spells, although even here it is still likely to be unsettled and breezy at times. Temperatures will vary around average, with oscillations between colder and milder interludes.

Updated: 14:00 (UTC) on Tue 10 Dec 2024

Mainly unsettled conditions appear likely for most, with spells of wind and rain followed by showers affecting most areas but especially towards the northwest of the UK. Some sleet and snow is also likely at times, especially on high ground in the north. However, there are also some signs that more settled conditions are possible at times, these perhaps most likely across the south late in December or into early January. Temperatures are likely to be around or slightly above average overall, but with any more settled interludes bringing a risk of frost and fog.

Updated: 15:00 (UTC) on Tue 10 Dec 2024