Below average temperatures, frequent showers, and a noticeable chill in the wind for many parts of the UK.
A persistent northerly influence will be key to the week’s weather. While there will be dry spells and some sunshine at times, especially in between showers, there is little sign of a sustained warm‑up. Nights will also be on the colder side for May, with the potential for a touch of frost in a few sheltered spots.
The bigger picture
Looking at the wider weather pattern explains why conditions are staying cool. The jet stream is taking a curved path around the UK, allowing areas of low pressure to linger nearby, particularly to the east, while high pressure remains well to the west. This setup encourages winds to blow from the north, drawing colder air southwards across the country.
Although the jet stream does shift slightly during the week, it does not move far enough to bring in warmer air. As a result, changes day to day will be relatively subtle, with the overall theme remaining breezy, cool and showery.
Tuesday: brighter spells for some
Tuesday starts on a slightly brighter note in parts of the south, with dry conditions and some sunshine early on. Further north, cloud is more widespread, with outbreaks of rain gradually moving southwards through the day.
As this cloud band weakens, showers will follow behind it. These will be scattered, meaning not everyone will see rain at the same time, and there will be sunny intervals too. Central and southern Scotland, along with Northern Ireland, should see some prolonged brighter spells during the afternoon.
Temperatures may briefly feel less cold than on Monday, particularly in eastern areas where winds are lighter. In the sun, parts of the south could reach 15 or 16°C, likely the mildest point of the week for many. Even so, a cool breeze will still take the edge off any warmth.
It’s going to be a chillier week ahead, with cold fronts introducing cooler air across the UK 🌡️
We’ll see a touch of frost in places across the south tonight, but winds will pick up, limiting the frost risk by midweek ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/ONu23sCFKW— Met Office (@metoffice) May 11, 2026
Wednesday: widespread showers and a chilly feel
By Wednesday, lower pressure becomes more firmly established, bringing a showery day across the UK. Showers are expected in many areas, with some turning heavy. There is also the risk of thunderstorms, and hail is possible within the strongest downpours.
Between showers, sunny spells will develop, but brisk winds will keep conditions feeling cool. Temperatures will struggle, especially in the north where values may stay close to 10 or 11°C. Further south, highs of 13 or 14°C are more likely. When wind chill is taken into account, it may feel more like single‑figure temperatures in many places.
The upside of this brisk northerly flow is that showers should move through quickly rather than lingering for long.
Thursday: still unsettled, with wintry touches on hills
Little change is expected on Thursday. Low pressure remains influential, keeping winds predominantly northerly, particularly across northern Scotland. Showers will continue to affect most areas at times, and some could once again be heavy with thunder mixed in.
Over higher ground in the north, there is a chance that snow could mix in with showers, highlighting just how cold the air mass is for the time of year. Daytime temperatures across the UK are likely to remain several degrees below the mid‑May average, reinforcing the unseasonably cool feel.
READ MORE: Why frost can still occur in late spring
Friday: west versus east
As the week draws on, there are some tentative signs of slightly drier conditions developing in the west. Wales, Northern Ireland, western Scotland and parts of southwest England may see fewer showers at times on Friday, though it is unlikely to be completely dry everywhere.
Further east, particularly near North Sea coasts, showers are more likely to persist. With northerly winds continuing, coastal areas here will feel particularly chilly despite it being late spring.
Rainfall will gradually add up through the week, but because much of it falls in showers, total amounts are not expected to be especially high overall. Northern and western hills, especially those facing the wind, are most likely to see the largest accumulations.
Looking towards the weekend
As we head into the weekend, the weather picture remains rather messy. There are hints of a ridge of higher pressure trying to build in temporarily, but low pressure remains close by, both to the northwest and around the North Sea. This means the unsettled theme is likely to continue, with showers still possible, though there may also be some dry and brighter intervals.
Given the changeable nature of the forecast, it is worth keeping a close eye on the latest updates, particularly if you have outdoor plans. While May often raises expectations of warmth, this week serves as a reminder that spring can still deliver a wintry edge, with cool winds, showers, and rapidly changing conditions.
You can check the latest forecast on our website, by following us on Twitter and Facebook, as well as on our mobile app which is available for iPhone from the App store and for Android from the Google Play store. Keep track of current weather warnings on the weather warning page.
