Issued: 1000hrs Thursday 23rd November 2017
Duty forecaster: Garry Nicholson

Often windy; bands of wintry showers

It will be a chilly weekend with wintry showers for many northern & western areas - a mix of rain, snow and hail, but resulting in a covering of snow for many hills. Wind and rain then sweeps across the country by Monday, but cold air will quickly return as winds turn northerly. A wintry week then lies ahead, with snow showers focused around coasts exposed to the wind.

For the weather for the next few days click here

Sunday 26/11/17
West to north-westerly winds influence the country, maintaining a chilly feel. Showers will feed inland from western coasts, but these tending to fade as a brief ridge of high pressure builds from the west. Snow over the hills, and possible hail. Largely dry in central and south-eastern Britain with good amounts of sunshine. Rain develops for the north-west by evening. Temperatures 4 to 8C, which may lift slightly into the night.

Monday 27/11/17
An Atlantic frontal system will sweep quickly eastwards across Britain, bringing a spell of heavy rain to most places, probably reaching the south-east in the afternoon. Blustery winds, possible gales around exposed coasts and hills. Snow is possible on northern hills, and showers that follow will turn increasingly wintry to lower levels as colder air returns. Briefly milder in the south, highs 10 or 11C, but nearer 5 to 7C in the north.

Tuesday 28/11/17
A strong wind blowing in from the North Pole will usher cold air back across the country into midweek. Clusters of snow showers will affect northern Scotland, and a bands of showers will also move onto Irish Sea coasts, with a mix of rain, hail and snow. Central and eastern regions should escape largely dry and bright. Temperatures struggling at 3 to 5C, perhaps 7C far south, but feeling colder in the wind.

Wednesday 29/11/17
An Arctic air mass will encompass the country by midweek. Northerly winds will produce bands of showers draped around coasts in the west, north & east, resulting in frequent sleet, snow and hail, with scope for significant accumulations over the Cairngorms, North York Moors and perhaps Snowdonia. Central & southern regions should stay dry with bright sunshine. Highs 2 to 6C, feeling sub-zero.

Thursday 30/11/17
Remaining cold with northerly winds. Bands of snow showers again focused around coasts exposed to the wind. Crisp and bright in central counties. Frost where sheltered overnight. Highs 2 to 6C.

Friday 01/12/17
It might be windy and cold even by the end of the week, with further bands of sleet and snow showers affecting eastern coasts. Sunny spells and a risk of hard frost where sheltered. Highs 3 to 7C.