The Easter bank holiday weekend is set to be a total washout for most of the United Kingdom, as the Met Office forecasts persistent rain and strong winds from Friday through Monday. Unsettled conditions are expected to dominate, with heavy bands of rain moving southwards and temperatures potentially plummeting to as low as 1°C in parts of Scotland on Saturday morning.
Wet and Windy Conditions to Batter the Country
According to the latest Met Office predictions, the weather will turn increasingly unsettled from Good Friday, with spells of heavy rain and windy gusts affecting all regions. Deputy chief meteorologist Steven Keates warned that while there is some uncertainty in the details, a strong signal indicates wet and windy conditions will continue throughout the Easter weekend.
Regional Temperature Variations
Scotland and Northern Ireland will experience particularly chilly weather, with temperatures ranging from 2°C to 9°C on Friday and Saturday, and some areas possibly seeing 1°C lows. Wintry conditions are expected to persist on Easter Sunday, with only slight improvements by Monday in certain locations.
In contrast, Wales and England will enjoy slightly warmer conditions, with highs of 14°C forecast for parts of southern and southeastern England on Saturday. However, these areas will not escape the widespread rain and wind affecting the nation.
Brighter Outlook for Next Week
Following the bleak Easter weekend, warmer weather is due to arrive next week. Temperatures across the country are expected to climb, with 13°C to 15°C forecast for much of Wales and England, and London potentially reaching a high of 16°C by Tuesday.
The Met Office noted that as April begins, the balance tips slightly towards drier conditions, offering more opportunities to enjoy sunshine as days lengthen with the clocks going forward. However, they cautioned that sustained warmth remains uncertain, and changeable weather will likely continue to be a key feature of the outlook.
Detailed Five-Day Forecast
Today: Blustery showers in the north will continue this morning, with snow over hills initially, but these will gradually ease through the day. The south will be largely dry with sunny spells, though a few showers are possible. Winds are expected to ease.
Tonight: Clear spells in the east at first, with a frost developing. Skies will cloud over elsewhere, bringing outbreaks of rain and drizzle.
Tuesday: Cloudy at first with outbreaks of rain and drizzle. Conditions will turn drier for many in the afternoon, with some warm, bright, or sunny spells. The north will be windy with coastal gales.
Outlook for Wednesday to Friday: Changeable weather is expected over the next few days, with largely cloudy skies. Spells of rain are likely at times, accompanied by strong winds, and it will gradually turn colder towards the weekend.
