Weather United Kingdom

Monday 19 March—Sunday 25 March

The dry run continues

Low pressure to the north of the UK will bring some rain to northern parts to start the week; however high pressure will already be building across southern areas and settling things down here.

The build of pressure across the country will continue through the week, keeping rainfall amounts generally below average and well below in the parched south and east.

Temperatures will once again rise into the mild or very mild categories by day, especially under sunnier skies, although where cloud breaks persist overnight it will turn chilly with the risk of overnight frosts.

Sunshine amounts will depend on the prevailing wind direction around the anticyclone; central and eastern areas are favoured early on in the week, but then western and northern areas are likely to see the lion's share later in the week as the high cell moves towards Denmark and introduces east or southeasterly winds across the UK. Windward coasts will tend to be cooler as well as cloudier.

At the end of the week there is a low risk of an area of showery rain moving into southern parts, extending northwards during Friday. Should this be realised, it will be the only chance this week for much-needed rain in the south of the country.

Monday 26 March—Sunday 1 April

As you were

The balance of probability currently favours a return to anticyclonic conditions, leading to yet another week of predominantly dry and settled weather across the bulk of the UK.

This will continue the run of above-average temperatures, the likes of which we would normally see during early summer. Again the daytime values will depend on amounts of cloud, and the persistence during the morning of any overnight fog. Under clear skies, night-time values could fall low enough for frost.

Monday 2 April—Sunday 15 April

Bye bye high

As we go into the first two weeks of April, the stubborn area of high pressure looks as though it may finally move off to the west and let low pressure return.

This will bring brisk winds from the north or northwest, allowing it to turn colder than average across the country, and increasing the chance of rain. Such wind directions at this time of year are responsible for those famous April showers, meaning some places in the south and east could remain quite sheltered, dry and sunny.

Thus, the signals suggest that while rainfall amounts will be near normal in the north and west, the south and east will continue with their rainfall deficit. Sunshine amounts will increase, especially in the south and east, but with clear skies and cold air it is likely to be cold and frosty by night in many parts.

Next week

Will the April showers fall where they're need most?