Issued: 1000hrs Friday 13th April 2018
Duty forecaster: Garry Nicholson

Rain at times west, mainly Ireland & western Scotland

After weeks of cool, wet and often murky weather, there is a big leap forwards into summer during the week ahead. A strong southerly flow will send temperatures soaring above 20C in from midweek onwards. There will be some rain for Ireland and the far north-west of Britain, but elsewhere most of Britain will see a week of sustained dry weather and strong sunshine.

For the weather for the next few days click here

Monday 16/04/18
Fairly cloudy skies for west and northern areas, with localised showers, mainly western Scotland. Otherwise a bright day across the Midlands and south, with sunny spells. Brisk southerly winds for Ireland and western Britain, light winds toward the east. Atlantic fronts bring rain to western Ireland, turning heavy. Very mild, or warm in the sunshine in the south-east, reaching 15 to 19C.

Tuesday 17/04/18
A southerly airflow continues, with high pressure focused to the east. Breezy in the west and north. Fronts to the west bring some rain to Ireland and western Scotland - risk locally heavy. Most of Britain will be dry. Cloudy in the west, locally murky around coasts. Plenty of warm spring sunshine is likely for the Midlands, east & south-east. Cool on the coasts. Inland highs 16 to 21C.

Wednesday 18/04/18
Lots of fine weather likely into midweek as high pressure builds toward the east. A warm south to southeasterly airflow across the British Isles. Plenty of strong sunshine. Breezy in the north & west, with a risk of some rain for western Ireland, but should clear. Highs 18 to 23C, cooler near coasts.
 

Thursday 19/04/18
A continued southerly flow with very warm air and lots of sunshine. Cooler around coasts, but temperatures feeling like early summer for many at 18 to 23C, locally perhaps warmer in favoured spots to the north of high ground.

Friday 20/04/18
Staying dry and warm for most. Chance of mist patches near some coasts. Otherwise lots of strong sunshine. It may turn hazy in the south-west, and a chance of thundery bursts of rain developing. Highs 18 to 24C.

Saturday 21/04/18
Confidence is low. Generally still very warm, but a risk of areas of rain spreading from the south or south-west. Many places may escape dry. Highs 17 to 23C.