The Met Office has confirmed that the UK's brief warm spell is coming to an end, as rain and strong winds are set to batter the country. The forecaster warns of a shift to more unsettled weather, with showers, longer spells of rain, and gusty winds expected in the coming days.
Unsettled Weather Ahead
According to the Met Office, while many parts of the UK are currently experiencing dry and settled conditions, the weather will turn "more changeable." This change brings an increasing chance of showers and longer spells of rain, along with the risk of strong winds at times. The long-range forecast from May 1 to May 10 indicates a changeable picture, with sunshine and dry interludes increasingly broken up by passing showers. Some areas may also experience early morning fog.
Temperature Outlook
Temperatures are expected to remain close to or slightly above normal during this period, with a further rise as June approaches. However, the Met Office notes that some dry spells with warm sunshine are still possible, along with a risk of short-lived early morning fog patches. Towards the middle and end of May, showers or longer spells of rain are likely at times, heavy in places, with a risk of strong winds.
This Week's Forecast
This week will see a colder and more unsettled spell gripping parts of the UK before temperatures rise again by Wednesday. The latest forecast indicates that showers will push across much of the country on Monday, with rain expected to turn heavy, particularly in Scotland and Northern Ireland. There is also a risk of thunder and gusty winds throughout the day.
Risk of Frost
Clear spells are expected to allow temperatures to drop sharply, with rural areas at risk of falling to around 0C, bringing a touch of frost in places. The unsettled theme continues into Tuesday, with cloud, drizzle, and outbreaks of rain spreading across the UK, accompanied by a brisk northeasterly wind. The Met Office says temperatures will struggle, especially in eastern areas, where it will feel notably cooler than in recent days.
Improvement Later in the Week
Conditions are expected to settle later in the week, with high pressure gradually returning. This will bring a return to more stable weather, though the brief respite may be followed by further unsettled spells as May progresses.
