Issued: 0900hrs Thursday 21st January 2016
Duty forecaster: Garry Nicholson

Often dry south & east

A change to much milder weather develops through Friday and Saturday, and temperatures will rise markedly, becoming locally very warm. Next week sees mild conditions likely to prevail. Occasional rain, mainly in the north-west, whilst the south stays drier under high pressure.

For the weather for the next few days click here

Sunday 24/01/16
Warm fronts advancing northwards bring a lot of cloud, and occasional drizzly rain to western regions of Britain, also Ireland. Murky across the hills, also around coasts in the south-west. Risk of patchy rain at first in central areas, then a little sun may break through toward the east. A brisk southerly breeze, strongest in the north & west, brings very mild air, highs 10 to 13C, locally warmer to the lee of high ground in west.

Monday 25/01/16
Low pressure to the north-west and high pressure to the south-east maintains a mild southerly pattern. Fronts bring rain to Ireland, western Scotland, perhaps also west Wales & north-west England. Much of England stays dry, but cloudy for many areas, best chance for some sunshine in the east. Blustery southerly winds in the west & north. Temperatures mild again, highs 10 to 13C.

Tuesday 26/01/16
A weak cold front passes eastwards, perhaps giving a little rain for a time. Showers affect western Scotland, accompanied by a westerly breeze, wintry on the mountains. Generally dry for England & Wales as pressure rebuilds from the south-west. Some sunshine breaking through for many areas. Winds dropping light. Risk of further fronts bringing rain to Ireland later. Highs 6C north, to 10C south.

Wednesday 27/01/16
High pressure across southern Britain brings a good deal of dry and bright weather, possible fog patches in the south-east. A stronger south-westerly wind and fronts toward the north-west, bringing the risk of rain for Ireland and Scotland, possible gales. Temperatures 8 to 11C.

Thursday 28/01/16
Low confidence of detail. High pressure maintains largely dry conditions to the south, whilst low pressure toward the north-west threatens rain at times. A brisk south-westerly wind keeps it mild overall, highs 7 to 12C.

Friday 29/01/16
Further rain may affect the far north-west, whilst much of central and southern Britain stays dry. Temperatures 7 to 10C.