BBC Weather Monthly Outlook...

[Stuart]

Summary

Staying very cold

December was a particularly cold month with temperatures below average in most areas. It now looks as though much of January will continue in the same vein with harsh frosts and further heavy snowfalls.

Monday 4 January 2010 to Sunday 10 January 2010

More snow

Areas of sleet and snow will drift southwards across the UK during the first part of the week. At first, the most significant snowfalls are likely to be in Scotland and over the higher ground of northern England.

However, later in the week, the risk for more prolonged, heavy snowfall lies across many eastern and southeastern parts of the UK so we can expect some problems here with significant accumulations of snow likely to lead to some disruption.

Throughout the week, temperatures will remain well below the seasonal average with severe night frosts and daytime highs often remaining below freezing. Ice will continue to be a major hazard anywhere that rain, sleet or snow has fallen.

On the plus side, when it is not snowing, the air will be clean and clear with bright sunny spells, especially in more western areas.

Monday 11 January 2010 to Sunday 17 January 2010

Cold but often dry

High pressure to the west of the UK will maintain the northerly winds and intense cold for much of this period.

Some further snow showers can be expected, again mainly in northern and eastern areas but many inland areas are likely to remain mostly dry, with the best sunshine towards the west.

Monday 18 January 2010 to Sunday 31 January 2010

Little change at first

It will remain cold for the rest of January although there is a hint that temperatures may recover slightly towards the south and west eventually.

The weather will turn increasingly unsettled which may result in some further prolonged snowfalls - the west being more at risk during this time, although as temperatures pick up, southern parts could be more likely to see rain towards the end of the month.

Next week

Check back next week to see what the beginning of February has in store

http://news.bbc.co.uk/weather/

Edited January 11, 2010 by Stuart

[stewfox]

Summary

?? This is last weeks

[Stuart]

[Stuart]

Summary

Cold start, thawing on the way.

Snow covers almost all of the UK but main roads and some city centres and is well packed. It will take some thawing.

In the immediate future whilst Scandinavia hosts the cold anticyclone, no change in wind direction will take place so our feed air is in the easterly quarter.This anticyclone is expected to drift south over the next four weeks ending up in central Europe. That allows our winds to be southwesterly.

By the start of February therefore, temperatures will be approaching normal and rain will be more likely than snow.

Monday 11 January 2010 to Sunday 17 January 2010

Cold but not as cold.

Having lifted temperatures by a couple of degrees on Sunday, the real freeze exists now only in Highland Scotland, everywhere else temperatures will fluctuate either side of zero Celcius by 2 or 3 degrees, night and day. Some daytime thaw will take place and night-time refreeze.

Fresh snow at first in northern hills with drifting. An early warning for Tuesday covers the likelihood of significant snow in the southwest of Britain as an Atlantic front meets the current cold. This is a typical snow scenario for Britain and typically hard to distinguish in the forecast between snow and rain. The warning is issued because the probability of the snow version is at least 60%.

After that it is expected that the Scandinavian High will kill off the front over Northern Ireland and Western Britain and a cold southeast breeze with much cloud will be our fate. That keeps temperatures, snowfall and sunshine below average. Except in Scotland where sunshine ought to be above the norm.

Monday 18 January 2010 to Sunday 24 January 2010

Less cold.

But only by a bit. The cold high over Scandinavia looks like drifting south so our breeze is now forced into a southeasterly, southerly or southwesterly. The first two are cold; The southwesterly is not.

Assuming a fluctuation in temperatures of 2 degrees plus or minus 3 degrees, we could increase the thaw rate.

Model indications are for little precipitation, but a lot of cloud. Again, Scotland does best for sunshine.

Monday 25 January 2010 to Sunday 7 February 2010

Less cold again but still below average.

With low confidence, the signal from the virtual atmosphere suggests that central Europe will now be under the centre of the cold anticyclone. If that happens, then we will get winds form the southwest.

If you add a low pressure centre to the northwest of Scotland, which seems equally likely, then rainfall totals return to average, perhaps slightly above in northern UK.

Temperatures remain below average but snow will probably be more of a hill or temporary event. Sunshine still is below average although perhaps near to average in the north.

Next week

Do not dismiss February as a potentially cold month. Confidence in the southwesterly type weather is, after all, low.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/weather/

Edited January 12, 2010 by Stuart

[Stuart]

Summary

A very changeable few weeks ahead

The weather over the next few weeks looks quite varied with many of us set to get some heavy rain with a bit more snow in places. Strong winds will sometimes be a feature of the weather, but frost and fog will also play their part, so it's fair to say we will probably be seeing a bit of everything!

Temperatures will fluctuate but on the whole will stay slightly on the cooler side of normal.

Monday 18 January 2010 to Sunday 24 January 2010

Unsettled

After a slightly milder end to the weekend, temperatures this week are expected to struggle again with values remaining just below average for the time of year. There will still be night frosts and fog along with a continued ice risk.

After a fairly quiet start the weather will become more unsettled with a series of Atlantic weather fronts moving eastwards across the country midweek. Much of what they bring us will be rain - and some of it quite heavy, but there is still likely to be some snow, particularly on the leading edge of each rain band. The snow will mainly be confined to higher ground but there is likely to be some at lower levels temporarily before it turns back to rain. The winds will strengthen at times to bring gales around coasts and hills.

By the end of the week we expect the weather to settle down once again as a transient ridge of high pressure returns and it should also turn a little milder with some sunshine.

Monday 25 January 2010 to Sunday 31 January 2010

More of the same

Westerly winds will prevail this week, with a series of low pressure systems moving eastwards close to or over the UK. This means that unsettled, and often wet conditions will predominate.

Rainfall amounts are therefore likely to be above average for most with some models hinting at some very wet weather indeed in a few places, but temperatures will remain at or just slightly below normal.

Sunshine amounts will be near or a little below average.

Monday 1 February 2010 to Sunday 14 February 2010

Still rather wet and cool.

The unsettled weather will continue as we move into February, but there are some signs that easterly winds could return, lowering the temperatures once again.

Precipitation amounts are expected to be near average in the west but could be above average in eastern areas. Correspondingly, western areas will probably do slightly better for sunshine.

At this stage, the driest and sunniest weather in early February could possibly be in northwest Scotland.

Next week

The outlook for February looks fairly wet, but will there be more snow? Check back next week for the next update.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/weather/

Edited January 18, 2010 by Stuart

[Stuart]

Summary

Cheekily and briefly mild, then cold again

It's never wise to think that winter is over until at least the end of February. This coming month will prove the point as we bring back very cold air and then sit in it.

After the first week, sunshine looks a bit more dominant which consequently allows the return of significant frost.

As for snow - there will probably be a little more but not widespread piste-making amounts.

Monday 25 January 2010 to Sunday 31 January 2010

Mid-week mild incursion then cold again.

A cold start to the week with sleet possible in the Lincolnshire Wolds, Cotswolds and maybe the Mendips. This just indicates a pool of cold air that started over Scotland.

Monday and Tuesday sees the decay of this cloud and its showers to allow sunshine for all but eastern England. A cold but light easterly breeze again will bring light wintry showers here with a negligible dusting of snow onto the eastern Pennines.

An Atlantic warm front catches Scotland on Tuesday and heads south on Wednesday. Temperatures briefly touch 10 Celcius. The following cold front opens the door to a northerly wind which by Friday could bring significant snow to eastern Scotland and eastern England.

This week is not characterised by excessive sunshine.

Monday 1 February 2010 to Sunday 7 February 2010

Cold but not excessively so

Cutting off the really cold northeasterly wind, the Atlantic feeds in a frontal system, behind which the air comes from the northwest; Cold but not as cold as the northeaster.

Showers abound for the north and west of the UK, mostly rain but there could be some snow on the hills. This ought to lead to above average rainfall in these parts. Perversely, sunshine between the showers may also allow for above average sunshine in the north and west of the UK.

It will probably be windy at first but as the week progresses it will become calmer, allowing the night frost to return.

Monday 8 February 2010 to Sunday 21 February 2010

Pressure high, temperature low

The forecast model suggests that the UK will rebuild a dome of high pressure in this cold air and for this there is moderate confidence. The consequence should be hard night-time frosts and cold sunny days. Unfortunately this normally deteriorates into freezing fog that doesn't entirely clear by day.

The temperature signal is for sub-zero daytime values and widespread night frosts.

Precipitation of any sort seems unlikely.

Next week

As we leave February it should be fair to assume that the trend will now be warmer and wetter, rather that whiter.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/weather/forecast/10209

[Stuart]

Briefly milder then very, very cold

As January draws to a close we can confirm that for the whole of the UK, December and January have been the coldest since the winter of 1981/1982. In Scotland it has been the coldest December and January since records began, way back in 1914. It looks like February will do nothing to bring the average temperature up a bit, in fact quite the opposite.

Monday 1 February 2010 to Sunday 7 February 2010

Eventually turning milder

It will take until about Wednesday for the whole of the UK to get back into the milder westerly airstream from the Atlantic. Before then it does turn briefly milder in Scotland with some rain and hill snow, but we're soon back into the colder northerly airstream. Further south it will be a little milder and wetter through Monday night into Tuesday. The second half of the week and into the weekend sees west or southwesterly winds across the UK. With that comes milder conditions, but also bands of rain in association with low pressure systems. During Wednesday, as the transition happens, there could be some significant snow from the Midlands northwards.

Monday 8 February 2010 to Sunday 14 February 2010

Bitter cold returning

High pressure, an anticyclone, will build over Greenland and Scandinavia, and this is going to have a big impact on our weather. Around the edge of that high comes a bitterly cold easterly wind. Temperatures will be well below average for all parts of the UK, with a noticeable windchill factor and severe overnight frosts. Rainfall amounts are likely to be below normal, however snow could well come out of the near continent to affect southern areas at times. Many places will enjoy some cold sunshine but the skies in eastern Scotland and northeast England will probably be rather cloudy.

Monday 15 February 2010 to Sunday 28 February 2010

Staying very cold

There looks to be little change in the big picture. The large anticylone remains in place producing very cold easterly winds and blocking the progress of Atlantic frontal systems from the southwest. It's going to stay very cold with well below average temperatures and severe overnight frosts. Amounts of precipitation are expected to be around normal in the south and east of the UK, but drier than average conditions are expected in the northwest.

Next week

Will the cold march into March?

http://news.bbc.co.uk/weather/forecast/10209

[Secret Society]

Briefly milder then very, very cold

As January draws to a close we can confirm that for the whole of the UK, December and January have been the coldest since the winter of 1981/1982. In Scotland it has been the coldest December and January since records began, way back in 1914. It looks like February will do nothing to bring the average temperature up a bit, in fact quite the opposite.

Monday 1 February 2010 to Sunday 7 February 2010

Eventually turning milder

It will take until about Wednesday for the whole of the UK to get back into the milder westerly airstream from the Atlantic. Before then it does turn briefly milder in Scotland with some rain and hill snow, but we're soon back into the colder northerly airstream. Further south it will be a little milder and wetter through Monday night into Tuesday. The second half of the week and into the weekend sees west or southwesterly winds across the UK. With that comes milder conditions, but also bands of rain in association with low pressure systems. During Wednesday, as the transition happens, there could be some significant snow from the Midlands northwards.

Monday 8 February 2010 to Sunday 14 February 2010

Bitter cold returning

High pressure, an anticyclone, will build over Greenland and Scandinavia, and this is going to have a big impact on our weather. Around the edge of that high comes a bitterly cold easterly wind. Temperatures will be well below average for all parts of the UK, with a noticeable windchill factor and severe overnight frosts. Rainfall amounts are likely to be below normal, however snow could well come out of the near continent to affect southern areas at times. Many places will enjoy some cold sunshine but the skies in eastern Scotland and northeast England will probably be rather cloudy.

Monday 15 February 2010 to Sunday 28 February 2010

Staying very cold

There looks to be little change in the big picture. The large anticylone remains in place producing very cold easterly winds and blocking the progress of Atlantic frontal systems from the southwest. It's going to stay very cold with well below average temperatures and severe overnight frosts. Amounts of precipitation are expected to be around normal in the south and east of the UK, but drier than average conditions are expected in the northwest.

Next week

Will the cold march into March?

http://news.bbc.co.u.../forecast/10209

looks like someones removed references to very cold and bitter now stuart...

cheers

[shuggee]

Yes it's definitely been tweaked, but the word 'severe' has been added to the frosts too.

Of course, these forecasts are usually about as useful as a three wheeled skateboard.

[Stuart]

Published at 10:00, 8 February

(Next update at 10:00, 15 February)

Written by Jay Wynne

Summary

Cold everywhere with some snow showers

The first week of February saw a bit of a battle going on in the atmosphere, cold air from the near continent butting up against milder air from the Atlantic. The milder air got the upper hand and pushed north across most of the UK with some snow preceding it. It now looks as if the cold air is fighting back - it will be a key feature of the weather over the next few weeks. Average temperatures for early February are in the range of 6C in aberdeen to 8C in London.

Monday 8 February 2010 to Sunday 14 February 2010

Cold with snow showers in east

The UK will be under the influence of a cold northeasterly airstream. This is the result of an area of high pressure to the north of us and low pressure over Europe. The wind will be quite noticeable at first, gradually easing down during the week but picking up again later on. With temperatures below or well below average (eg. On Wednesday, typically 3/4C) the cooling effect of the wind will be a noteable feature. Overnight frost will become widespread. There should be some sunny spells developing in western areas but for central and eastern areas there will be thicker cloud with showers of rain, sleet and snow. Most of the snow showers will be light, but there is potential for some heavier bursts. The risk of significant accumulations is low for most but the North York Mooors, for example, could see 5 to 10 cm of snow. With the cloudy, showery conditions in the east, sunshine amounts will be somewhat limited, while further west amounts of sunshine should be around normal.

Monday 15 February 2010 to Sunday 21 February 2010

Staying cold

High pressure, centered over the Central Atlantic will keep the cold north to northeasterly airstream across the UK. Weather fronts will try and get into the northwest of the UK, bringing rain, sleet and some hill snow. There will be no let up in the cold feel of things. Temperatures across the UK will stay well below the seasonal norm with overnight frost and some freezing fog. Amounts of precipitation will probably be higher than average in eastern Scotland and the southeast of England while western areas will be relatively dry, especially the northwest of England and Northern Ireland and here there should be a good deal of sunshine. Elsewhere, sunshine amounts are likely to be normal but perhaps rather grey skies will prevail for the northeast of England and Eastern Scotland.

Monday 22 February 2010 to Sunday 7 March 2010

Little change

High pressure continues to feed a cold north or northeasterly airstream across the UK. Minor weather fronts may affect some eastern areas. With the cold airflow, temperatures will remain well below average in all parts. Amounts of precipitation are likely to be well above the norm in northeastern Scotland and the southeast of England with below normal or normal amounts in northwestern and some eastern areas. Confidence in the forecast at this range is moderate, but in terms of the low temperatures, confidence is high.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/weather/forecast/10209

[Stuart]

Written by Elizabeth Saary

Summary

Cold and unsettled

The high pressure that has kept our weather fairly quiet in the past week will be replaced by low pressure in the coming few weeks. This will result in unsettled weather across the UK, giving occasional gales, showers, some heavy rain, and with plenty of cold air still around, the continued risk of snow.

Monday 15 February 2010 to Sunday 21 February 2010

Low pressure takes over

A band of rain will spread southwards on Monday giving some wet weather for most. It will be a cold start to the week and there is a risk of some significant snow on Tuesday and Wednesday, chiefly in the southeast of England and the northeast of Scotland.

Daytime temperatures will remain just on the colder side of average and night frosts will continue to put in an appearance with the risk of icy roads as well. Anywhere the winds drop out overnight there is also the chance of fog.

Winds will, however, be quite a significant feature this week with the risk of gales in places.

There may well be a more significant snow risk from Thursday onwards but the snow will not affect all parts of the UK and the precise detail will be tricky to forecast more than a few days ahead.

Monday 22 February 2010 to Sunday 28 February 2010

More of the same

The cold and unsettled weather will continue this week with a risk of gales at first.

Cold east or southeasterly winds will prevail, especially in the north, and temperatures will remain below the late February average with frequent night frosts.

Rainfall amounts are likely to remain above average with further snow at times especially, but not exclusively, in the north and over higher ground.

Western Scotland could be a favoured spot for some drier and brighter conditions, being sheltered from the easterly winds by the mountains.

Monday 1 March 2010 to Sunday 14 March 2010

A chilly start to Spring

As March begins, we are not likely to see any great improvement in the weather, although there is only low to medium confidence in the pressure pattern forecast for this far ahead.

At this stage it looks as though low pressure will remain the dominant feature with below average temperatures for most parts.

Rainfall amounts will still reach above average levels for many and we could still see some snow in places.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/weather/forecast/10209

[Stuart]

Published at 10:00, 22 February

(Next update at 10:00, 1 March)

Written by Jay Wynne

Summary

Cold and unsettled at first, settling down later

The last week has been dominated by low pressure which has brought spells of rain and snow to many parts of the country. It has also been quite cold both by day and night with frosty conditions for many. Normally at this time of the year day time temperatures should range from 7C in Aberdeen to 9C in London, we haven't been anywhere near that. Night time temperatures should be in the range of about 0.5C in Aberdeen to 3C in London. At the time of writing we are expecting -6C in Aberdeen, -15C in the Highlands and even -1 as far south as Norwich.

Monday 22 February 2010 to Sunday 28 February 2010

Cold and unsettled

Low pressure will keep things very changeable during the week. There will be spells of wet and windy weather, especially in the south, where rainfall totals will be totting up and the ground will get very wet. In more northern and western parts, and over higher ground, snow is more likely. Amounts of precipitation will vary from well above average in the southeast of England and the Midlands to about normal for many, but it's looking drier than usual in western Scotland. Temperatures by day and night will remain below average for all and well below average in more northern parts. There will be frequent frosts, especially in the north. Scotland and Northern Ireland will see the best of the sunshine while England and Wales will see near to below average amounts of sunshine.

Monday 1 March 2010 to Sunday 7 March 2010

Little change

Low pressure continues to dominate, keeping the cold and unsettled theme going. Rainfall amounts in Eastern Britain are likely to be somewhat above expected. Near normal amounts of rain are predicted in southwestern Britain and Northern Ireland. Below average amounts of rain are forecast for North Wales and northwest England while it looks like it will be relatively dry in western Scotland. Sunshine amounts will be at their peak in northern Scotland, close to the norm while elsewhere will be a bit duller than you might expect. Temperatures will stay on the low side, with maximum and minimum temperatures well below average with frequent hard frosts.

Monday 8 March 2010 to Sunday 21 March 2010

Rising pressure should settle things down.

An unsettled start but the influence of low pressure will ease and as pressure rises we should see a change to much more settled conditions. In spite of a change in conditions, temperatures will remain lower than usual for most but well below average in northern Scotland. Rainfall amounts will vary from below or well below the norm in the southwest of the UK to near or above average in eastern Scotland and the northeast of England. Confidence in the forecast at this range is low for all aspects.

Next week

Will it warm up for the end of March?

http://news.bbc.co.uk/weather/forecast/10209

[Stuart]

Published at 10:00, 1 March

(Next update at 10:00, 8 March)

Written by Rob McElwee

Summary

March comes in like a lamb. A winter lamb.

Climatologically speaking, March, April and May will be spring. Weather-wise the first week brings back the cold and thoughts of snow. This cold spell lasts until the end of March when Atlantic weather looks like taking over; rain more likely than snow and temperatures up to average.

Monday 1 March 2010 to Sunday 7 March 2010

Getting colder again with a little snow possible

At the start of the week, calm, foggy and frosty weather abound. Nights are still longer than days so Highland frosts, where snow still lies could be severe.

With spring tides, North Sea and English Channel estuaries have a small risk of flooding as there is a lot of ground water and snowmelt running downstream against and incoming tide. The skies remain largely dry though so the ground will become less sodden.

From Wednesday until Friday, a low pressure runs down the western side of the UK bringing rain and some hill snow. It is followed by a cold ridge of high pressure which gives a return to continental easterlies. Anywhere could see a little snow. Daytime temperatures will likely be sub-average with windchill.

Monday 8 March 2010 to Sunday 14 March 2010

Cold and settled.

The indications are that pressure remains relatively high within cold air. With an easterly breeze across the North Sea, snow showers for eastern Britain are possible. Settling is less likely except in the hills.

Daytime and night time temperatures are likely to be below average. The hardest frosts are still likely in Scotland as the nagging wind will keep England in low single figures Celsius.

Monday 15 March 2010 to Sunday 28 March 2010

Back to plant friendly conditions.

From anticyclonic to cyclonic. That suggests a swing to westerly winds, average or above temperatures and spells of rain rather than snow.

The forecast model concentrates the rain in southern Britain with Scotland maybe enjoying a drier than average fortnight.

Next week

Will March go out like a lion?

http://news.bbc.co.uk/weather/forecast/10209

[Stuart]

Published at 10:00, 7 March

(Next update at 10:00, 14 March)

Written by Peter Gibbs

Summary

Settled but chilly at first, wetter and milder end

The days are getting longer and the sun is growing stronger, but temperatures still refuse to climb. Cold air has been sitting over the UK for a long time now and we need to look to milder weather from the Atlantic to shift it. That looks unlikely while a large area of high pressure continues to dominate the scene right through to the middle of the month, but there are signs that it may start to ease away later in March, allowing some of that milder Atlantic air to edge in from the west.

Sunday 7 March 2010 to Sunday 14 March 2010

Staying chilly but not much sign of rain

It won't warm up this week, but at least the stronger sunshine will make it feel quite pleasant at times if you can avoid the keen easterly wind which will continue to affect southern parts of the UK.

Bright sunshine will gradually be replaced by greyer skies, as areas of cloud tend to form over the North Sea before drifting westwards across England and Wales. A few light showers are possible in the east, but most places will stay dry. Scotland and Northern Ireland should hang on to the sunshine for longest.

Daytime temperatures will stay below average, typically 6 to 8C. Some sharp frosts under clearer skies, but becoming less of a risk as cloud increases.

During Thursday, a weather front will move in from the north, giving some rain and hill snow in Scotland, but weakening as it pushes further south. Chilly northerly winds will follow for Friday and the weekend.

Monday 15 March 2010 to Sunday 21 March 2010

First signs of a change

As high pressure begins to subside, there are signs of a change to more unsettled weather. Most places should see some rain at times, although the south and east of the UK will get the best of any drier and brighter weather.

Northwestern parts are likely to turn windier with rain, turning heavy at times and perhaps falling as snow over hills.

Monday 22 March 2010 to Sunday 4 April 2010

Unsettled but milder

Unsettled weather is likely to continue as the end of March approaches, turning wet and windy at times, especially in the northwest.

Temperatures are expected to creep back up to something approaching the early Spring average for the start of April.

Next week

April showers, or a false Spring?

http://news.bbc.co.uk/weather/forecast/10209

[Stuart]

Published at 10:00, 15 March

(Next update at 10:00, 22 March)

Written by Peter Gibbs

Summary

Finally it's turning milder, but expect some rain

As the spring equinox approaches, we finally seem to be putting winter behind us.

For the first time in months, temperatures are reaching or even exceeding the seasonal average across much of the UK. Nights are still long enough for frost under clear skies, but there is some warmth in the sun by day.

March started out very dry. Most parts of Scotland saw virtually no rain during the first two weeks. But as the milder weather moves in from the Atlantic it will bring rain for all.

Monday 15 March 2010 to Sunday 21 March 2010

Sunny start, then turning wet and windy

High pressure will keep the weather settled during the first part of the week. Slight frost is likely under clearer skies, but it will feel pleasant in the sunshine as winds stay mostly light. Temperatures may reach 14C in some southern areas.

From midweek, the Atlantic weather machine will crank up and finally start to deliver strong winds and heavy rain. Western areas will feel the brunt of the gales and wet weather during Thursday and a rapid thaw of the deep mountain snow may bring a threat of flooding to parts of Scotland.

England and Wales are more likely to see the wettest weather on Friday, with a blustery, showery weekend to follow.

Monday 22 March 2010 to Sunday 28 March 2010

Unsettled weather here to stay

The weather looks likely to settle into a typical March pattern, with most areas seeing rain at times. Northwestern areas are likely to be wettest, with southeastern parts getting the best of any drier and brighter conditions.

Temperatures are likely to be near normal for late March. Frost is likely during quieter nights, and there is a chance of it being cold enough for some snow at times, mainly over hills.

Monday 29 March 2010 to Sunday 11 April 2010

Easter weather uncertain

Snow is actually more common at Easter than at Christmas, but there doesn't seem to be a clear signal for the weather during this year's holiday period.

Best estimate is that it will remain changeable with some rain at times but also drier and brighter spells.

Temperatures should be near normal at first, but there are signs that it may turn a little colder after the Easter weekend with an increased risk of frost.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/weather/forecast/10209

[Stuart]

Published at 10:00, 22 March

(Next update at 11:00, 29 March)

Written by Peter Gibbs

Summary

Typical April weather - sunshine and showers

The first big holiday weekend of the year is approaching, so of course interest turns to the weather forecast.

Easter tends to fall at a time of year when the weather is very changeable. The stronger sunshine means that it can be pleasantly warm if winds are light, but equally snow is still possible if those winds blow in from the north.

Signs are that this Easter and the rest of April will have the mix of sunshine, showers and sometimes blustery winds typical of the time of year, but there's no sugggestion at the moment of any unusually cold weather.

Monday 22 March 2010 to Sunday 28 March 2010

Mild but increasingly wet

Weather systems will move in from the west this week, before becoming stalled across the UK from Wednesday onwards bringing rain to all areas from time to time.

Tuesday night is likely to be the only cold night of the week, with a touch of frost. Beyond that, southerly winds will bring milder air leading to frost-free nights and the potential for daytime temperatures to reach 15C in some brighter spots.

The end of the week looks much more unsettled, with an area of low pressure bringing heavier and more widespread outbreaks of rain, perhaps enough to lead to localised flooding.

Monday 29 March 2010 to Sunday 4 April 2010

Into the Easter weekend

It is expected to remain unsettled this week, with showers or longer spells of rain in most areas. Southern parts are likely to see the best of any drier and brighter spells.

While temperatures should be near normal at first, there are signs that it will turn cooler as we head in to the Easter weekend, meaning that showers could start to turn to snow over hills and frost becomes more likely across northern Britain.

Monday 5 April 2010 to Sunday 18 April 2010

Typical April weather

The weather is likely to be unsettled at first but there are signs it may become more settled at times during this period.

Temperatures are likely to be close to or just below seasonal averages in most parts, although it may become cold at times with an increased risk of frost.

Rainfall may be higher than average across many parts at first, and there is a continuing risk of snow occasionally affecting higher parts of both Scotland and northern England.

Western parts of the UK may become generally drier by midmonth.

Next week

Will the April showers help the May flowers and can we hope for an early taste of summer?

http://news.bbc.co.uk/weather/forecast/10209

[Stuart]

Summary

Taste of winter returns in time for Easter

The introduction of British Summer Time at the end of March only serves to mislead the Great British public into a belief that winter is over. Given the events of the past three months, there is a ready willingness to believe that such an idea could be true! The potential or collective wish of something cheery over the Easter holiday period is not that well founded. A 'typical' British spring is an unerring mix of some sunny warm interspersed with something a good deal more wintry. Figures support the notion that this time of year is more likely to see snow than the days around Christmas. Such of a spell of wintry weather is heading our way in the coming week. Snow tends to catch the eye of the modern media. Perhaps the amount of rainfall could provide the real impact of the week's double whammy of inclement weather.

Monday 29 March 2010 to Sunday 4 April 2010

A cold, wet week for all: a wintry one for some.

As one low drifts away from the north of Scotland, so another gathers itself in the South West Approaches. Rain from this system will drive northwards across the UK during Monday, eventually meeting a pool of cold air over Scotland. This is where some of the problems begin. Early Warnings from the Met Office have flagged up the potential for heavy rain across southern Scotland and the north of England, with significant accumulations of snow on higher ground by Tuesday. Both the rain and snow could lead to significant disruption to travel plans. By Wednesday, snow could well be falling to lower levels as the low pressure transfers to the North sea, introducing a cold, northerly flow to many areas. Snow showers could sink south to the Midlands and Wales, with more persistent snow found further to the east of both Scotland and England. The persistence of the rain across southern Scotland and northern England could lead to some localised flooding. Snow may well be a feature of the weather for Scotland as far ahead as Thursday, but by this stage, it may well be in the form of showers. Brighter conditions will affect many other areas with a scattering off showers. Temperatures will still lie below the seasonal norm. Some recovery is possible come Friday as warmer air arrives ahead of Atlantic fronts, which promise another spell of wet and windy weather for all areas.

Monday 5 April 2010 to Sunday 11 April 2010

A brighter end to Easter but remaining unsettled

Brighter spells are expected towards the end of the Easter weekend and into the start of the following week. This pattern of weather may become widespread in southern Britain but the generally unsettled picture is likely to dominate further north. With temperatures still below the seasonal norm at the start of the week, showers may continue to fall as snow on higher ground in the north. There may be some recovery in the second part of the week.

Monday 12 April 2010 to Sunday 25 April 2010

Few signs of prolonged, settled spells.

There are signs that the weather will remain unsettled, although drier and brighter spells are a little more likely in this fortnight. Rainfall amounts should be average for the time of year. Temperature amounts should stay close to or below the seasonal norm.

Next week

When will it warm up? First signs next week?

http://news.bbc.co.uk/weather/forecast/10209

[Stuart]

Summary

Generally settled as high pressure builds

Unsettled in the first week with spells of wind and rain. Soon becoming more settled as high pressure builds from the south.

Monday 5 April 2010 to Sunday 11 April 2010

Rain and wind at first, fine later.

A wet and windy spell of weather in the first few days will quickly give way to brighter and warmer conditions later in the week. Many areas across the UK will eventually have mild and bright weather however, slight overnight frosts are likely under clear skies. The best of the sunshine is expected in the east of the UK. Temperatures are likely to hover around the seasonal norm but some areas across southern Britain may become warmer than average.

Monday 12 April 2010 to Sunday 18 April 2010

High pressure gives settled weather

High pressure will continue to dominate the weather over the UK with plenty of sunny weather and below average rainfall. An easterly breeze may develop across the country bringing thicker cloud off the North Sea at times. The temperatures during the day are likely to stay near the average but clear skies overnight will bring a continuing risk of slight overnight frosts. Overall, confidence on the fine and settled weather is high.

Monday 19 April 2010 to Sunday 2 May 2010

A good deal of dry and settled weather

The settled weather is expected to continue across most of the country with above average sunshine. Although it'll feel pleasantly warm in the sun, daytime highs will be similar to those of the previous week. There are signs that Scotland and perhaps the north of England may eventually become a little more unsettled.

Next week

How long will the high pressure last? Not forever...that's for sure!

http://news.bbc.co.uk/weather/forecast/10209

[Stuart]

Summary

The rain clouds slowly return.

After a dry start, high pressure will gradually loosen its grip, allowing rain-bearing weather fronts to make inroads through the remainder of April. Feeling quite cool at times too as we go into May.

Monday 12 April 2010 to Sunday 18 April 2010

Dry weather weather hangs on for a few more days.

A cool northeasterly wind will spread a fair amount of cloud across the UK at times. However, apart from the odd shower, it should stay largely dry. The best of the sunshine will be in the west. An approaching weather front will threaten some rain to Scotland by the weekend.

Monday 19 April 2010 to Sunday 25 April 2010

Showers spread south on a chilly breeze.

Successive weather fronts will spread bands of showers further southwards across the UK. A blustery wind will make it feel quite chilly too, with the possibility of snow for the higher hills in the north. However southernmost parts of England and Wales will hang on to lighter winds and some pleasant sunshine for longest.

Monday 26 April 2010 to Sunday 9 May 2010

Rain at times, and don't rule out a late frost.

Low pressure will keep the weather quite unsettled at times as we go into May. Further rain is expected, especially for some eastern areas of the UK. With clearer skies and lighter winds further west, it's not too late for a touch of overnight frost.

Next week

Will the London Marathon runners be sunburnt or soaked?

http://news.bbc.co.uk/weather/forecast/10209

[Stuart]

Summary

Praying for rain?

You wouldn't normally expect to find airline operators praying for bad weather, but that's exactly what is needed to clear away the pall of volcanic ash that has played havoc with air transport across Europe.

A series of Atlantic depressions would be just the thing to pick up the ash and transport it away towards the east. Unfortunately, the weather across the UK is stuck in a pattern that brings northwesterly winds, the worst possible direction.

The outlook hints at a more favourable pattern developing from the weekend of the 24th/25th, as prevailing winds start to settle into the west or southwest.

Monday 19 April 2010 to Sunday 25 April 2010

Some sunshine, but watch for chilly nights.

With winds predominantly from the north or northwest, there will often be a chilly feel to the weather especially across Scotland where showers are likely to fall as snow over the hills.

However, a lot of dry and sunny weather can be expected as the week goes on with England and Wales likely to see the best of it. The strong sunshine of late April means that it will feel warm by day, but gardeners need to beware of frost by night under clear skies. It's still too early to put those tender plants out!

By the weekend, the signs of a change with an increasing chance of cloud and rain spreading across most areas on freshening southwesterly winds.

Monday 26 April 2010 to Sunday 2 May 2010

An unsettled end to April

For much of this period, winds from between south and west are likely to persist across the UK bringing unsettled weather to all parts. This will mean some cloudy and wet days with spells of rain, interspersed with brighter days with sunny spells and showers.

Most of the rain is likely across northern and western areas, especially the northwest. It will sometimes be windy in these areas as well with a risk of gales in exposed parts.

Driest weather expected in the south and east, especially the southeast. Temperatures near normal to rather warm, the warmest conditions likely in the southeast.

Monday 3 May 2010 to Sunday 16 May 2010

Weather sets into a seasonal pattern

For the first 2 weeks of May, values of temperature, rainfall and sunshine are expected to be close to the seasonal normal. The best of the warmer and sunnier days are likely in the southeast, with northwestern areas more likely to see occasional wetter, cooler and cloudier spells.

Next week

Will late May bring any early signs of summer warmth?

http://news.bbc.co.uk/weather/forecast/10209

[Stuart]

Summary

Warm weather here to stay? Don't bank on it!

Well we finally made it. On Saturday April 24th the temperature reached 21.3C at St James's Park in London, the first time we've reached the magical 70F mark this year.

But this is just another false dawn because by the start of May the wind will be blowing from the north once more making it feel cooler again across the United Kingdom.

However, after a prolonged dry spell, gardeners and growers may find some comfort in the return of some rain to the forecast.

Monday 26 April 2010 to Sunday 2 May 2010

Another temperature tumble takes place.

After a warm start to the week across the United Kingdom it will then turn wetter, windier and cooler initially in the north with these conditions then spreading across all parts by the end of the week.

Southeast England will hold on to the warm weather for longest and may even break the 21C mark before turning cooler by the weekend.

For the first weekend of May temperatures will have returned to or a little below the seasonal average right across the United Kingdom.

Monday 3 May 2010 to Sunday 9 May 2010

Gardeners beware! The risk of frost returns.

High pressure is expected to lie to the southwest of the United Kingdom giving a chilly northwesterly airflow.

From Bank Holiday Monday onwards, it should become increasingly drier and brighter for southwestern parts of the United Kingdom but outbreaks of rain accompanied by strong winds may continue across northern areas.

Temperatures are expected to be rather cold for most places but should return to near normal in the southwest by the end of the period. Further north though, it may remain rather cold with occasional overnight frosts.

Monday 10 May 2010 to Sunday 23 May 2010

The weather fits a seasonal pattern.

For this period, current predictions show a more mobile west or southwesterly airflow, with temperatures, rainfall and sunshine amounts expected to be close to the seasonal average for most parts.

The best of the warmer, drier and sunnier days are likely to be in the south of the United Kingdom.

Northwestern areas are more likely to see occasional wetter, cooler and cloudier weather, but there will still be bright or sunny spells.

Next week

Will late May bring any early signs of summer warmth?

http://news.bbc.co.uk/weather/forecast/10209

[Stuart]

Summary

May gives us the cold shoulder

After a dry and sunny April, we may have thought summer is just around the corner. However May is set to keep us waiting.

Northerly winds will keep things distinctly chilly, and it's not too late for some of us to be caught out by a touch of frost.

At least as the days are getting longer, the sun is getting stronger - but how much sun will be see?

Monday 3 May 2010 to Sunday 9 May 2010

Northerly winds keep a lid on the temperatures.

High pressure in the Atlantic is blocking the weather from coming in from the west. Instead northerly winds from the Arctic are going to keep the weather quite cool.

Weather fronts will be drawn southwards across the UK, bringing a fair amount of cloud and occasional showers, but there will be plenty of dry weather

Sunshine will be quite limited, and the breeze will add to the cool feel. Overnight, under any clearer skies in rural or suburban areas, temperatures could dip perilously close to freezing for those tender Spring blooms.

Monday 10 May 2010 to Sunday 16 May 2010

Staying cool with an increasing chance of rain.

Winds will again tend to blow from a northerly quarter, keeping it cool.

The high pressure will, if anything, drift a little bit further away from our shores, enabling rain-bearing weather fronts to bring some wetter spells.

So some rain at times, but also some sunny spells. Just a hint that western winds may return by the end of the week, allwoing temperatures to recover a little bit.

Monday 17 May 2010 to Sunday 30 May 2010

Someone tell the weather Summer's coming

It looks like low pressure will keep the weather quite unsettled, with weather fronts bringing spells of rain at times.

With little hint of warmer southerly winds, expect temperatures to remain on the cool side of normal.

Hopefully, between the showers, there will be a few sunny glimpses to show off the blooms at the Chelsea Flower Show.

Next week

New government. Same old weather?

http://news.bbc.co.uk/weather/forecast/10209

[Stuart]

Summary

Where has Spring gone?

The first week of May brought weather that was more suited to March, with daytime temperatures in some areas struggling to get into double figures.

The culprit should be familiar. A blocking area of high pressure in the north Atlantic which prevents the feed of mild west or southwesterly winds and instead brings air from the Arctic regions. This is the same pattern that gave us the harsh winter and now brings the added hazard of volcanic ash.

There are signs that the block will start to break down, but it is likely to be a slow process.

Monday 10 May 2010 to Sunday 16 May 2010

Chilly winds and frosty nights.

Cold north to northeasterly winds dominate the start of this period, with Arctic air reaching Scotland in the form of snow showers which will settle on the mountains.

Sunny spells and a scattering of rain showers are expected elsewhere, but amounts of rain will be small.

With cold air in place, clearing skies and light winds bring the threat of potentially damaging overnight frosts, especially during the early part of the week.

From midweek onwards, weak weather systems will edge in from the northwest to bring occasional outbreaks of light rain, but many southern and eastern areas will stay dry.

Daytime temperatures are expected to stay below average, although with lighter winds it should feel reasonably pleasant in the sunshine. The combination of dry weather and low temperatures is unlikely to please farmers and gardeners.

Monday 17 May 2010 to Sunday 23 May 2010

A hint of something warmer?

Our blocking high pressure system is expected to drift southwards during this period, allowing more unsettled weather to spread in across northern areas with outbreaks of rain and stronger winds.

The drier spell is likely to continue further south, thanks to the influence of the area of high pressure sitting to the west.

It will be cold enough for snow on Scottish mountains at first, but there are signs that temperatures will start to creep up towards the mid-May average later in the week.

Monday 24 May 2010 to Sunday 6 June 2010

Flaming start to June looks unlikely.

With a continuation of high pressure to the southwest of the UK, a northwesterly weather type is expected to bring some spells of unsettled weather.

Temperatures should start out close to average, but there are signs of things turning relatively cold again as we move into June.

There are indications of above average rainfall amounts during this period, firstly over northern parts of the UK but later southwestern and central parts appear to be the wettest.

Next week

Summer scorcher or soggy sausages? Find out next week what June may bring .

http://news.bbc.co.uk/weather/forecast/10209

[Stuart]

Summary

A warmer wind blows some good

Ash clouds and disappointingly chilly weather have the same root cause - northwesterly winds. There's also a common solution. Developing southwesterly winds will bring warmer weather and at the same time blow the Icelandic ash away into the Arctic to bother someone else's airspace.

Monday 17 May 2010 to Sunday 23 May 2010

A taste of summer as temperatures rise

This week sees the big broad-scale weather pattern across the Atlantic moving on. Instead of a blocking area of high pressure, low pressure starts to dominate the scene. The impact on the UK is to bring winds in from the southwest, which will carry much warmer air to all areas.

The biggest impact is likely to be on overnight temperatures, with frost becoming a thing of the past. By day, it will feel warmer and more humid and temperatures of 25C are not impossible by the end of the week, given enough sunshine.

Some rain is likely in northwestern areas, where it will be cloudy and breezy during the first part of the week. Showers are more likely in southern areas later in the week as the warmth and humidity builds.

Monday 24 May 2010 to Sunday 30 May 2010

End of the month, signs of a change

As we head into the last week of the month, it looks as if high pressure will keep the weather settled in most areas, especially in southern, central and western parts. It will feel warm and humid, and even quite hot at times where any prolonged sunny spells break through.

Northern and northeastern areas will tend to be cloudier and breezier at times with a higher risk of showers, and here it is likely to turn cooler towards the end of the month.

Monday 31 May 2010 to Sunday 13 June 2010

Little chance of a scorching start to June

It is currently expected that the weather will be rather unsettled during the first fortnight of June, with rainfall totals likely to be above average in most areas, although Scotland may be somewhat drier at first. Along with this, temperatures are prone to be below normal for the time of year in many places, though perhaps holding up close to the seasonal average in central England. Sunshine amounts are expected to be close to or slightly below normal.

Next week

Heading towards the longest day, but will solstice watchers see the sun rise at Stonehenge?

http://news.bbc.co.uk/weather/forecast/10209

[Stuart]

Summary

All areas turn cooler as northerly sets in

Just when the notion that summer had muscled spring aside might have been forming in the nation's mind, so the natural order will be restored. It really is still only May and the old adage: ' ne'er cast a clout til May is out' will hold true once again.

There won't have been many who objected to the recent warm spell. I've heard it described as a 'pick-me-up' after months of below par temperatures, but I suspect many more days of heat, both by day and night, may have begun to try the patience. To give the temperatures some perspective, regional rather than national records have fallen in this spell. 30C may be touched but over 32C would be needed to set a record for the month.

Night time minima have caught the eye. 16C as a minimum in the London area is closer to the average daily maximum for May. Higher humidities than the norm are the driver of these balmy nights. A return to talk of frost, allbeit grass frost in sheltered parts of Scotland in the coming nights, will not be welcome.

Monday 24 May 2010 to Sunday 30 May 2010

Cooler weather dominates but many parts stay dry

The transition to cooler conditions is already underway and will be completed by Tuesday as a weakening cold front introduces a northerly airstream. As the high that has brought the recent warm spell fades, so an area of low pressure over Scandinavia will help maintain a, cooler, showery, northwesterly flow across much of the British Isles.

The bulk of the showers in the early part of the week will be found over northern Scotland, with a few destined for eastern England. Other areas will stay dry with sunny seplls. The cooler feel will already be evident by day and night across the northern areas of the British Isles. Rain replaces the showers in northern Scotland by mid-week with showers becoming more prevalent in the south and west .

Some uncertainty lurks over Wednesday in southern areas of England. Rain should stay on the French side of the Channel but may come further north. Keep an eye on the forecast if this matters to you.

Monday 31 May 2010 to Sunday 6 June 2010

North-South divide as high builds across the south

High pressure will remain to the west of the United Kingdom but northern and western parts will probably be unsettled with showers or longer spells of rain. Conditions in the south and east will be drier and more settled.

Temperatures will be near or below par in wetter parts but something warmer is expected in sunnier areas of the south. There is considerable uncertainty about the latter part of the period but it is hoped that rainfall will be below average.

Monday 7 June 2010 to Sunday 20 June 2010

High pressure builds to provide a drier spell

The northwesterly flow is expected to decline as high pressure builds from the west. Although still unsettled at first in northern and eastern parts, all areas are expected to become drier and more settled.

Near average temperatures are expected to rise above average in the south. rainfall will be below average although close to it in the north and east early in the period.

Next week

How will the forecast shape up for the start of the summer season? Get the first glimpse here.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/weather/forecast/10209