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[Solar Sausage]

Cheers Stu!

[Stuart]

Monday 12 December Published at 10:00
Monthly Outlook

Summary


Winter is well and truly with us.

Winds of well over 100 mph affected a large swathe of Scotland last Thursday, causing widespread damage and disruption. After a week that brought the most ferocious storm the UK has seen since 2005, we look set for another week of wintry and at times, stormy weather.
Further prolonged spells of wet, windy and wintry weather are expected this week. Whilst winds will be very strong on Tuesday, it looks like the wind will be at its most damaging later on Thursday across northern parts.

Monday 12 December—Sunday 18 December

Showery and windy, with storms thrown in!!

A bright and frosty start for most places on Monday although there will be a scattering of showers for western parts. Later in the day cloud will thicken from the southwest. Overnight into Tuesday there will be some rain, heavy in places, with severe southwesterly gales at times, particularly along the south coasts of England.
On Tuesday rain and hill snow will tend to linger across Scotland for much of the day. Further to the south, there will be a strong westerly winds with blustery, wintry showers.
Winds may reach gale or severe gale force across Northern Ireland and northern parts of England and Wales. A similarly showery day is expected on Wednesday but with lighter winds. A ridge of high pressure will lead to a quieter day on Thursday.
The overnight period into Friday morning looks set to bring the most significant period of weather for the week. At this stage it looks as if a rapidly deepening area of low pressure will sweep in from the Atlantic to bring potentially damaging west to southwesterly storm force winds to many areas of the UK, although the strongest winds look most likely to affect northern areas.
This system will also bring prolonged periods of rainfall, that could fall as snow on some of the higher ground in Scotland for a time. Later on Friday it looks as if the winds will begin to abate a little, with the rainfall giving way to a wintry mix of showers that will last into the weekend.
Temperatures will stay around average for the time of year but the frequently strong winds will make it feel bitterly cold at times. Despite the strength of the wind there will be a good chance of frost on most nights particularly for rural parts.
All in all, an eventful week of weather ahead!

Monday 19 December—Sunday 25 December

Staying unsettled into the festive period.

The changeable and generally unsettled weather pattern is set to continue into the Christmas weekend, with further periods of wind and rain.
Temperatures will not differ greatly from what is expected for the time of year, though it might be milder across the south at times.
Showers and rain are expected to be more prevalent across the north, with drier conditions across the south of England compared to average. Overall, most places should receive average amounts of rainfall for the time of year.
There will be more in the way of sunshine across northern part, with skies being a little cloudier to the south.
At this stage, a white Christmas can't be ruled out across some northwestern parts of the UK but it looks less likley in the south. Watch this space!

Monday 26 December—Sunday 8 January

Wet and windy start to the New Year.

Low pressure is expected to remain dominant across the UK, with rain, wind and generally unsettled conditions for most places. It also looks set to be milder than expected for the time of year for all places.

Next week

More details on the Christmas forecast and what we can expect for the New Year!

Monthly forecasting
The weather beyond about a week ahead stretches even the most experienced weather forecaster. Complex numerical weather forecast models from the Met Office and the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) are run many times for the month (and season) ahead to build up a picture of the likelihood of different weather types affecting the UK.
Next update at 10:00, Monday 19 December

http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/2635167

[Stuart]

Monday 19 December Published at 10:00
Monthly Outlook

Summary


A mild Christmas and unsettled New Year

This week has the shortest day of the year but even as the days draw out over the next few weeks, we typically expect the temperatures to keep falling.
Our weather is bucking this trend at the moment as, after the recent cold weather, things are taking a milder turn. Anyone hoping for a white Christmas may be disappointed!
Over the next month the south of the UK will see some quite settled weather at times, but in the north wind and rain is often on the cards.

Monday 19 December—Sunday 25 December

Mild and sometime wild

After the recent cold weather, this week brings a rather milder picture, particularly mid-week when some of us could see the dizzying heights of the early teens!
Monday starts on a chilly note with frost and ice for many places at first, particularly in southeast Scotland. Rain and strengthening winds moving in from the west will give everyone a spell of rain during the day and bring snow to Scotland.
Tuesday looks set to be one of the quietest days of the week. Hazy sunshine is forecast for much of the day although rain will move in later.
It should be much milder on Wednesday, however this will cause the snow across Scotland to thaw quite rapidly and could lead to some flooding problems. Further heavy rain and strong winds could exacerbate the problem. A damp and cloudy day in store for western areas, but drier with the odd bright spell in the east.
Thursday won't feel very wintry as the mild weather continues. Further rain and drizzle is forecast in the west with the best of any brightness in eastern counties of England. Northwest Scotland and parts of Northern Ireland could have a rather wet day.
Temperatures take a tumble towards the end of the week as Friday brings more rain and showers. Those numbers creeping back up again by the weekend, making a white Christmas look unlikely!

Monday 26 December—Sunday 1 January

A fight starts on Boxing Day

As we head into Boxing Day we start to see a struggle between an unsettled, wet and windy set-up to the north and high pressure trying to build to the south.
So for the northern half of the UK we can expect strong or gale force winds at times and some spells of heavy or prolonged rain. This mobile weather pattern will act to keep things mild and often hold frost at bay.
For southern areas, we have a different story with a drier and less windy outlook but with a greater risk of frost forming by night.

Monday 2 January—Sunday 15 January

New year, new weather pattern?

Little change in the weather for the northern half of the UK through the beginning of the new year. However there will be a different outlook for the south. The unsettled theme already dominating the north will extend across the rest of the country.
This will lead periods of wind and rain for all but with the north of the UK once again in line for the lion's share. Snow may well feature in the forecast at times too, chiefly across northern hills.
On the whole this unsettled theme will keep the temperatures on the mild side. Some colder spells are quite likely, bringing the risk of frost and fog at times.
The east will be favoured with the best of the crisp, bright winter weather.

Next week

Statistically, January has the lowest daytime temperatures of any month but how cold will it be for the rest of January 2012?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/2635167

[Tellow]

Summary


An unsettled New Year

Northern Ireland experienced their mildest Christmas Day on record with 14.3C beating the previous record of 13.0C. For the whole of the UK it was an unusually mild day and that sets the tone for the beginning of this week. Although we will see some colder spells from time to time, the next month looks set to be on the mild side, but with wind and rain often making an appearance.

Monday 26 December—Sunday 1 January

December ends on a mild note

After one of the mildest Christmases on record, Boxing Day continues in a very similar fashion. For much of the UK the weather will be mild, cloudy and rather windy with rain and drizzle around western coasts and upslopes. Still mild but rather wild in Scotland, where heavy rain and very strong winds will move in from the north west.
Monday night will see temperatures dip down in Scotland with a risk of some frost and ice but elsewhere that mild air continuing to dominate.
Tuesday brings a wet day for Scotland, northern England and Northern Ireland. Scotland may see this rain turning to snow at times across high ground. Elsewhere a very similar story to Monday with cloudy, mild and sometimes damp weather the order of the day.
A very deep area of low pressure running across the north of the UK will bring some very windy weather on Wednesday, particularly in Scotland where the winds could reach gale or severe gale force. Feeling colder than recent days with showers and longer spells of rain.
Thursday continues the unsettled theme with windy, often wet and chillier weather on the cards. The southeast of England perhaps seeing the brightest and driest weather.
Turning wet for everyone through the second half of Friday but with a brief return to milder conditions.
Staying unsettled and turning colder during the weekend with rain for many and hill snow in the north. So brollies, gloves and scaves may be required for New Year's Eve!

Monday 2 January—Sunday 8 January

Mostly unsettled for the first week of January

As we move into the new year, high pressure builds to the south of the UK. However the jet stream will continue to feed depressions around its northern flank.
In the south, some quieter spells of weather are expected in the forecast, which may lead to some frost and fog at times. However periods of wind and rain are also likely as the low pressure systems track to the north of the country.
So northern areas of the UK are likely to see the greatest impacts from the winter depressions, bringing bouts of wet and windy weather with snow at times, predominantly on the hills.
Overall, the unsettled nature of the weather will keep temperatures above average for the beginning of January.

Monday 9 January—Sunday 22 January

Little change in sight

The general theme continues through the middle of January. The high pressure to the south looks set to remain in place with depressions feeding to the north.
Some settled weather is still expected in the south at times, probably leading to frost and fog in places, but also periods of wind and rain.
To the north the unsettled theme will continue with wind and rain often on the cards.
January, which typically has the coldest daytime temperatures, could continue to see figures often hovering above average. However, snow, frost and ice is still very likely to feature in the forecast at times.

http://www.bbc.co.uk...xtra-uk-content

[Stuart]

Monday 2 January Published at 10:00
Monthly Outlook

Summary


A mostly unsettled month ahead

The weather for 2011 was noteable for its stark contrast in the distribution of rainfall (excessive in the northwest but not much in the southeast) but of more significance was the average temperature. Last year goes down as the UK's second warmest year on record, including the warmest April and spring ever recorded, the second warmest autumn and the warmest October day. Therefore it was quite appropriate that the year ended on a very mild note with 14C in both Hereford and Exeter, when normally you would expect only 7 or 8C). It was a quite mild start to 2012 in the south of the UK, 12C in London, but cooler conditions already in the north look set to take over before it turns very unsettled.

Monday 2 January—Sunday 8 January

Very wet and very windy at times

The week starts on a cold note with some ice in the northwest of the UK. It will be a breezy day for all with showers coming into northern and western parts, the showers wintry over higher ground, especially so in Scotland. Eastern parts are favoured for a bright but cold day. By the end of the day, a deep Atlantic low will be heading our way, bringing some very wet and very windy weather to Northern Ireland first, that soon spreading to all other parts of the UK on Tuesday. Gusts will mostly be in the 50-70mph range, with some travel disruption likely. There will also be some snow in Scotland, most significantly during the afternoon, in a cold northwesterly, as the low begins to pull away. Other parts of the northwest will see wintry showers late in the day, those showers also streaming down in a brisk northwesterly. Wednesday sees another spell of wind and rain spreading south across most parts of the UK. Northwestern parts of the UK may well see some flood warnings issued by midweek. It will stay windy into Thursday, a northwesterly, with a scattering of showers which will be wintry over the hills of Scotland. Thursday night looks dry but with clearing skies and lighter winds it will turn cold. After a bright but frosty start to Friday the next system comes in from the Atlantic, bringing cloud and rain with it on a freshening breeze. Temperatures this week will generally be in the range of 4-10C. There are signs of pressure rising into the weekend, but it still looks quite breezy.

Monday 9 January—Sunday 15 January

Unsettled, especially in the northwest

The Azores high is likely to exert its influence over the south of the UK, keeping it relatively dry here. Elsewhere, it looks more unsettled with spells of cloud and rain along with quite respectable temperatures. In between those spells it's likely to be colder with scattered showers. Most, but not all, of the rain will be in the northwest of the UK. Some snow is likely for the hills of Scotland and the showers in other northern areas may turn wintry at times. Winds will remain a feature, with a chance of gales, mainly in the northwest. Daytime temperatures are expected to be close to or a bit above the norm. However, there is still the risk of overnight frosts.

Monday 16 January—Sunday 29 January

Generally unsettled

The second half of the month looks similar to the first with predominantly unsettled conditions the main theme. Atlantic weather systems are likely to bring quite mild but quite wet conditions to many parts. Between those Atlantic systems there will probably be some short lived colder spells with some snow showers, mainly over northern hills. More settled spells are also expected, these most likely in more southern areas. While it may be generally unsettled, daytime temperatures should be near to, or a bit higher than, average but there is still potential for some overnight frost.

Next week

What does early February have in store?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/2635167

[Stuart]

Monday 9 January Published at 10:00
Monthly Outlook

Summary


A stormy start to the year, now it's mild

The first week of January was a stormy one for the whole of the UK. Just in time for most people going back to work and along came a very powerful Atlantic low, bringing gusts in excess of 100mph to the north of the UK with gusts around 70mph in the south. Copious rain accompanied the storm force winds and there was widespread disruption to the transport networks and considerable damage. The strong and gusty winds lasted from early Tuesday, well on into Thursday. Since then, things have calmed down and turned a bit milder.

Monday 9 January—Sunday 15 January

High pressure in south, occasional fronts, windy

Pressure will remain high over the south of the UK but with Atlantic fronts crossing the UK at times, bringing spells of windy weather, along with rain or showers. The first front moves south across Scotland and Northern Ireland early on Monday, fizzling out as it does so. With much clearer air following the front it should be a fine start to the week in the north. Further south, more cloud but hardly any rain. A mild start to the week for all. Monday night sees another front in the far north of the UK, some rain here but also potential gales. Elsewhere, a mostly dry, breezy and mild night, although a touch of frost is possible in the northeast. Tuesday and Wednesday look fairly similar with western parts of the UK windiest and with the highest chance of rain. Cloud will dominate, although there will be some breaks in the east and to the lee of high ground. Staying mild, or very mild, through the midweek period. Thursday sees the next cold front slipping south. After a mild start, temperatures will fall back closer to normal by the end of the day, with some rain for western England and Wales and a few wintry showers in Scotland, where it will be windy. It'll be a much colder night for most places into Friday, as pressure rises and the skies stay fairly clear. High pressure dominates by the end of the week and it's looking dry and bright for most but with temperatures nearer normal and some light rain possible in the west. The High hangs on into the start of the weekend but begins losing its grip in the north as wind and rain gathers.

Monday 16 January—Sunday 22 January

Pressure falling in the south

High pressure will dominate in the south at first but it looks likely to ease away later in the period. The northwest of Scotland will be closest to any active fronts and consequently it could be quite wet this week with above average rainfall likely here. It looks like there will be a marked variation in the distribution of rainfall with most other places seeing less than normal, the Midlands probably driest. Overnight fog may be an issue in places and it could be slow to clear from the southwest of England. This could well have a knock-on effect on sunshine amounts here. The best of the sunshine is likely to be in the northeast of the UK. Temperatures will probably be a bit higher than the norm with the mild or very mild theme continuing.
Confidence in the forecast is low to moderate

Monday 23 January—Sunday 5 February

Turning colder in the north

Colder air is likely to make its presence felt in the north of the UK with Scotland seeing daytime temperatures a couple of degrees below normal and some overnight frost. Northern England and Northern Ireland will see temperatures closer to normal by day and some frost by night. Southern England and Wales will probably hang onto some relatively mild conditions with temperatures still a little higher than average. The north and west of Scotland will again be closest to passing fronts and consequently it'll be quite wet here. Elsewhere, rainfall amounts are expected to be around average.
Confidence in the forecast at this range is moderate at best on the general situation and low on the details.

Next week

Will the cold spread to all parts?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/2635167

[Gavin D]

Summary


A mild start to the year but it couldn't last...

The bulk of the week just gone (and the one before) will be remembered for how mild it was, both by day and by night. Hawarden in North Wales recorded 13C on both the 10th and 11th with overnight lows for many holding up around 6 or 7C. West or southwesterly winds were the driving force behind that. Early in the week there was quite a bit of chatter about the 'unusual' weather and how daffodils and snowdrops were putting in an early appearance, and how the lack of frost in the rhubarb triangle was troubling the growers there (rhubarb needs a frost to produce its sweetest stalks). Mild weather in January, and nature's response to it, is not unusual, the last time we saw something like this was in 2007. However, there was a big change towards the end of the week, a cold front went through on Thursday, introducing much colder air on a northerly airstream and then high pressure became established. Daytime temperatures fell a bit below normal, but there was plenty of sunshine, with some overnight fog and widespread frosts.

Monday 16 January—Sunday 22 January

Pressure falling. Milder midweek then cold again

High pressure will lose its grip across the UK and drift away to the near continent. As this happens, the cold, settled conditions will give way to wetter, windier and milder weather from the west, before turning cold again by the end of the week. The change starts on Tuesday but will be most noticeable on Wednesday, for England and Wales temperatures should reach 11 or 12 Celsius, Scotland and Northern Ireland should see temperatures around 9 or 10C. By Thursday, a cold front will move south bringing rain to most parts during the day and introducing a cooler, more unstable, showery airmass from the northwest. Some of the showers in the north of the UK will be wintry, mainly over hills but the northeast of England and eastern Scotland should escape with the best of the afternoon sunshine. It will feel cooler again as tempearures drop back to near normal and a slight frost is likely again on Friday morning. Temperatures on Friday will get close to the seasonal norm but it will feel cold in the wind and for the western side of the UK,there will be plenty of showers, which will be wintry, bringing an even colder feel. The cold northerly wind is likely to last into the first part of the weekend, westerlies trying to take over thereafter.

Monday 23 January—Sunday 29 January

Unsettled

It should be a reasonable start to the week but late on Monday more unsettled weather is expected in the north of the UK and that will spread down to the southeast during the first part of the week. The second part of the week remains unsettled but with cooler, showery interludes and a risk of overnight frosts. Generally though, temperatures should be near normal but feeling cooler in the wind and rain. The strongest winds this week will be in the northwest but with a noticeable breeze elsewhere.

Monday 30 January—Sunday 12 February

Staying unsettled

The unsettled theme continues to the end of January with showers likely, some of these wintry over the hills in the north. Temperatures will probably be on the low side early in this period. However, temperatures should recover to near normal during the early part of February as spells of rain spread to many parts. The northwest of the UK looks like being the driest area and it may also stay on the colder side of normal. While the general theme is unsettled there will be some quieter, clearer interludes and overnight frosts are likely when they come along.

Next week

How will the weather shape up for the rest of February?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/2635167

[Stuart]

Monday 23 January Published at 10:00
Monthly Outlook

Summary


Could it start to feel much more like winter?

The transition from January to February is typically the coldest time of the year, but will reality follow climatology?
After a mild and wet interlude this week, it looks bright and showery, but colder, as we move towards the weekend.
The forecast as we head into February has more uncertainty than usual, with two very different possible outcomes. One of which would bring more of the sort of weather we have experienced for much of the winter so far - mild and changeable - but the other may bring about some much colder weather and an increased likelihood for the risk of snow.

Monday 23 January—Sunday 29 January

Turning colder

After a bright start with showers on Monday, the temperatures will rise through Tuesday and Wednesday with many spots hitting double figures but also seeing strong wind and rain at times.
By Thursday temperatures will take a tumble with colder, showery weather feeding in from the northwest. This will set the theme for the rest of the week. These showers will always be more frequent for Northern Ireland, western Scotland, northwest England and north Wales with regions further south and east seeing the best of the drier, brighter weather.
The north will see hill snow and wintry showers to lower levels at times. In the south, any snow will mainly be confined to higher ground. Generally though, it will be cold and frosty by night everywhere.

Monday 30 January—Sunday 5 February

A tale of two forecasts

This week will start with rain and hill snow in the north and west and perhaps a few wintry showers in southern and eastern areas too.
Through the first half of the week the weather will tend to become more settled with drier but rather cold weather on the cards, with frosts very likely overnight.
By the middle of the week the forecast becomes much trickier because our forecasting models are showing two very different, but equally likely, scenarios.
The first scenario shows the winds becoming southwesterly. This would lead to changeable and fairly mild weather - much like the sort of weather we have had for much of the winter so far.
The other scenario would bring something rather different. The winds would swing round to the northeast bringing much colder weather, widespread frosts and an increased risk of snow.
As we get closer to the event, it will become clearer which of these solutions is going to materialise. Stay tuned to the forecasts for all the latest information.

Monday 6 February—Sunday 19 February

The split continues

The outcome of the two-way split in the forecast is also going to be the key in determining the forecast, possibly right up to the middle of February.
If the southwesterly winds prevail we can expect to see more unsettled but mild weather.
On the other hand, if the northeasterly becomes dominant then it could be another cold couple of weeks, with further frosts in store as well as the likelihood of snow.

Next week

A uncertain few weeks ahead...what will the end of winter bring?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/2635167

[Stuart]

Monday 30 January Published at 10:00
Monthly Outlook

Summary


A cold start to February but how long will it last

So far this winter has been unusually mild but things are changing. An area of high pressure extending from Russia - the Siberian High - is taking control of our weather pattern and this means our temperatures are taking a tumble. This cold anticyclone is acting as a ‘block’, preventing our usual westerly winds from bringing mild air across the UK from the Atlantic.
One of the biggest challenges in forecasting this type of weather set-up is predicting how long it will last and thus how prolonged this spell of cold weather will be before we return to a more typical weather pattern. However we can say with some confidence that we are entering the most prolonged spell of cold weather we have seen so far this winter.

Monday 30 January—Sunday 5 February

The Siberian High dominates

The week starts with cold air sitting over the bulk of the country but with mild air trying to make inroads across the southwest quadrant of the UK. This brings rain, sleet and snow at first but cold, easterly winds will push this front back westwards and eventually clear of the UK.
Thereafter the country is predominantly under the influence of the ridge of high pressure which will be rather cloudy at first but then bring some much brighter days. This cold spell will bring wintry showers at times, predominantly feeding in from the North Sea to affect eastern areas and more especially so towards the end of the week. With a mixture of cold air and clear spells we will see a string of very cold nights with widespread frost forming and some freezing fog patches which may be very slow to clear during the day. Towards the end of the week mild air may start to push in Northern Ireland, bringing some less cold and rather more unsettled weather with rain or snow at times.

Monday 6 February—Sunday 12 February

The high weakens

This week is when the difficulty in forecasting the development of the block is going to create significant uncertainty. It looks as though the high pressure will start to weaken through the course of the week, allowing a more mobile weather pattern to push into the west, however it is likely to be a rather slow process.
In the east the high pressure will dominate for the longest, bringing continued cold weather with widespread frosts by night and areas of stubborn, freezing fog. In the west it will become increasingly unsettled with milder air bringing weather fronts riding up against the colder air. This messy transition period will bring stronger winds, spells of rain and sometimes hill snow pushing into the west.

Monday 13 February—Sunday 19 February

Staying cold?

By the middle of February, although the block may have broken down, the weather looks likely to remain cold, with both daytime and night-time temperatures below average, particularly in the south. There may be slightly more sunshine that normal, leading to some bright, crisp winter days but we are also likely to see further widespread frosts and perhaps the risk of some significant snowfall.

Next week

Will the temperatures ‘spring’ back?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/2635167

[Stuart]

Monday 6 February Published at 10:00
Monthly Outlook

Summary


The block persist but for how long?

The start of February saw a battle between high pressure in the east, bringing cold, Siberian air across the UK and westerlies bringing milder air feeding in from the Atlanitc. The boundary between the two is where rain and snow can form - as many parts of the country expereinced last weekend.
Once this type of "block" gets set up, it can become very persistant and this is what we are continuing to see as we head through the the month. One of the biggest challenges in forecasting this type of weather set-up is predicting how long it will last and thus just how prologned this spell of cold weather will be before we return to a more typical weather pattern.

Monday 6 February—Sunday 12 February

The high dominates

This week sees the high pressure dominating across the majority of the country with mild air pushing into the west at times, mainly at the beginning and end of the week.
The east will see a cold but mostly dry week. By night frost and ice will form as well as areas of freezing fog which will often be very slow to clear. Where this fog persists the temperatures will become very suppressed - often struggling to creep above freezing. There will be some bright spells around but with the odd snow flurry also a risk from time to time.
In the west there will be more variation in the weather. At times the mild air will feed in from the west to give windier, milder weather with outbreaks of rain, perhaps turning wintry at times. However, these fronts will tend to weaken as they push into the high pressure, so brighter, drier days with frost and fog by night are also on the cards.

Monday 13 February—Sunday 19 February

The high shifts - or does it?

By the middle of February high pressure still looks likely to be dominating our weather pattern. The questions is exactly where it will become most prominant. It looks most likely to remain to the east, however there is a smaller possibility it will shifts southwestwards.
The first scenario would bring the continued cold, frosty and foggy conditions to the east with weather fronts continuing to push into the west.
The second scenario would allow low pressure systems to feed around the high pressure across the northern half of the UK, with wetter and windier conditions here. In this case the colder, drier weather would persist in the south.

Monday 20 February—Sunday 4 March

Turning milder?

In this period we may start to see the breakdown of the high pressure as weather fronts make increasing progress across the country, bringing milder air with them, although it could be a very slow process.
It will start cold where the high pressure remains in charge with frost and fog still on the menu. Gradually milder, more unsettled weather may make inroads from the northwest, bringing a more typical weather pattern to the rest of the country. If this transition takes place there may be a period of snow and despite this change to milder weather, given the time of year overnight frosts are still likely from time to time.
Alternatively if the high pressure remains in place the cold weather will continue for much of the UK.

Next week

Just how quickly will the block break down and where will the mild air end up?



http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/2635167

[Stuart]

Monday 13 February Published at 10:00
Monthly Outlook

Summary


From mild to unsettled

The past two weeks have been very cold across much of the UK - particularly England and Wales. Last weekend brought the coldest day and night of the winter so far with temperatures at Holbeach in Lincolnshire dropping to -15.6C, making it the coldest temperature recorded in the UK since Boxing Day 2010.
Following this very cold start to February, this week brings a marked change. The Siberian High that has been dominating our weather pattern for the past fortnight is withdrawing and high pressure is building to the west of the UK. This is bringing milder air from the Atlantic feeding around the top of the high and across the country from the northwest.
Gradually the high pressure will withdraw to the southwest of the UK, bringing a more unsettled and changeable pattern.

Monday 13 February—Sunday 19 February

A milder spell - but for how long?

The high pressure to the west of the country and subsequent north-westerly winds will bring much milder and breezier conditions than many parts of the UK have seen over the past two weeks. There will often be quite a lot of cloud with some rain and drizzle at times but brighter spells will also be on the cards. Temperatures will become much closer to what you would expect at this time of year but patchy frost is still likely in some sheltered spots by night.
During the second half of the week the high pressure will start to slip southwards, allowing fronts to push gradually south-eastwards across the country, bringing spells of rain, with colder, winder conditions following behind. Although temperatures won’t fall as low as they have been recently, we may see some wintry showers feeding in to the north and an increasing likelihood of night time frosts.

Monday 20 February—Sunday 26 February

A changable week

Westerly or northwesterly winds will continue to dominate through this week, bringing changeable, and at times rather cold and unsettled weather. This will mean much of the country will see spells of rain or showers, heaviest and most frequent in the north and west. The south will see the best of any dry and bright weather. There is likely to be an ongoing risk of snow in the forecast, especially, but by no means exclusively, across the higher ground of northern Britain. Given any quieter interludes, there will be a risk of overnight frosts, particularly in the south, but currently nothing quite as cold as through the first part of February.

Monday 27 February—Sunday 11 March

Staying unsettled

The generally changeable theme looks set to continue into early March. This means temperatures will be generally around or perhaps slightly below average in many areas. The weather will be characterised by further spells of rain, possibly with snow at times too, especially in the north. There will still be a risk of frost almost anywhere, but widespread severe frosts look fairly unlikely by this time. By the end of this period, parts of southern England may start to see temperatures becoming warmer – perhaps a first taste of spring!

Next week

A milder spell in store this week - but how much colder will it become?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/2635167

[Stuart]

Monday 20 February Published at 10:00
Monthly Outlook

Summary


A mild end to winter

The beginning of February brought some very cold conditions to the country - in particular to England and Wales - due to the Siberian High bringing icy air from eastern Europe. As the high weakened, the winds swung around to the northwest, allowing a milder and often more changeable pattern to take hold.
As we head through the end of February and into the meteorological spring, we continue in a broadly similar theme with the weather often turning quite unsettled but tending to be mild - and this week getting us off to an impressive start temperature-wise.

Monday 20 February—Sunday 26 February

Mild at first but a chillier weekend in store

After a chilly weekend, this week brings much milder weather, particularly around midweek with temperatures reaching the mid- to high-teens. In particular, locations to the east of high ground could see some exceptionally mild values.
Despite the warmth, westerly winds will bring a succession of fronts across the country leading to spells of wet and windy weather, mainly in the north and west. High pressure centred over the continent will tend to weaken these fronts as they move into southeastern areas, leading to a drier picture here. Many eastern areas, and particularly eastern England, will also see below average rainfall due to the 'rain-shadow' effect of high ground, in this case the Pennines.
Towards the end of the week a weather front will start making slow progress from the northwest spreading cooler air across the country for the weekend. We shall see temperatures becoming closer to what we would expect at this time of year with frost returning overnight. Some patchy rain is also likely as this front makes erratic progress southwards with strong winds and showers following in the northwest.
By Sunday the UK will still be under the influence of the cooler airmass, leading to a chilly but fairly bright day in the south with showers affecting the north and west.

Monday 27 February—Sunday 4 March

Spring brings more mild weather

As we make the transition to spring, high pressure remains anchored to the south of the country, with low pressure systems from the Atlantic tracking across the northern half of the UK.
This week looks set to be fairly mild with the best of the temperatures usually in the east, however these warmer days will be punctuated by some cooler spells and some overnight frosts are still likely now and again. Spells of wet and windy weather will affect all parts at times, but the north and west will receive the lion’s share of the unsettled weather, with southern areas getting the driest conditions.

Monday 5 March—Sunday 18 March

A little more settled?

The overall set up continues in a similar theme into the middle of March, with high pressure continuing to be the dominant influence in the south. To the north, areas of low pressure will continue to feed through, however by now they are likely to be weaker systems and therefore bring less rain.
As a result, this period may well be drier in Scotland than recent weeks with sunshine amounts higher. Temperatures may be below average for the start of this period in the north, bringing a risk of some wintry weather and night frosts, however these figures should start to rise.
To the south temperatures are likely to be higher than typical values and we may well see some bright spring days, although with mist and fog sometimes forming at night in southern counties, this sunshine may at times be slow to appear.

Next week

Will we see a return to the cold?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/2635167

[Stuart]

Monday 27 February Published at 10:00
Monthly Outlook

Summary


A settled spring for some

The meterological winter ends on a mild note with spring bringing temperatures more typical for the time of year.
This month will see high pressure tending to dominate the weather across the south of the UK - often keeping the weather largely dry in areas that could really do with some significant rainfall.
Areas of low pressure will feed around this high bringing windier and wetter conditions to northern parts.

Monday 27 February—Sunday 4 March

Mild weather slips away

High pressure across the south of the country will dominate this week's weather. Frontal systems will push into the north and west at times bringing rain and strengthening winds but these fronts will weaken as they interact with the high, meaning there is little significant rain in store for the southeast.
Air being drawn around the high from the Azores brings a rather mild interlude this week - most noticeably on Monday night and Tuesday with temperatures reaching exceptionally mild values, particularly in eastern parts of England and Scotland. With high pressure causing winds to predominantly feed from the west, these eastern areas are also the most favoured for any sunshine. Western areas will generally be much cloudier and often plagued by rain and drizzle.
By the weekend we see weather fronts making slightly more determined progress from the northwest, gradually spreading cooler air across the country. The south will start largely dry and mild with wet and windy conditions to the north. Some patchy rain is likely as this front makes erratic progress southwards with strong winds and showers following to the northwest. Behind the front we shall see temperatures becoming closer to what we would expect at this time of year.

Monday 5 March—Sunday 11 March

High pressure dominates in the south

Successive Atlantic low pressure systems will pass near to the northwest of the country during this week, with northern and western parts of the UK likely to have showers and longer periods of rain for much of the period. Strong winds are also likely at times, with a risk of gales around coasts and hills. Temperatures here look set to be close to average with a chance of some slightly colder interludes later.
Meanwhile, high pressure over continental Europe should mean that southern, eastern and central areas remain more settled, and although there will probably be some rain at times, a good deal of dry weather is likely to mean conditions are drier than average for the time of year. Temperatures here will often be mild or very mild, especially at first, though still a chance of occasional overnight frost and fog.

Monday 12 March—Sunday 25 March

More of the same

High pressure is likely to remain in place to the south of the UK with low pressure systems bringing spells of unsettled weather to the north and some western parts of the UK. As such, rainfall amounts here are likely to be near average with typical temperatures for early spring.
Elsewhere we are likely to see more settled conditions so rainfall amounts will probably be average or below average, especially in eastern and southern Britain. Eastern areas will often be favoured with the best of the sunshine and temperatures are most likely to be close or above average. At this time of year overnight frosts are still a risk.

Next week

How long will the high pressure over Europe remain in place?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/2635167

[Stuart]

Monday 5 March Published at 10:00
Monthly Outlook

Summary


A mild start to spring

The meteorological spring began on an exceptionally mild note for some with temperatures reaching the mid to high teens in many places during the first week of March.
Looking ahead through to the rest of March, we are likely to see high pressure dominating conditions across southern and central parts of the UK, bringing a good deal of settled weather and milder periods.
Northern areas will always be at risk of experiencing cooler, wetter and windier interludes, although here too we could see some dry and milder spells.

Monday 5 March—Sunday 11 March

A Week of Changes

Early in the week there will be plenty of sunshine for western and northern areas of the UK as a ridge of high pressure pushes in from the Atlantic, with temperatures peaking at around about average by day, but with frosty nights.
Further to the southeast though, a low pressure system will bring wet, windy and cold conditions for East Anglia and Southeast England. On a positive note though, some parts of eastern counties that have seen little rainfall over the past few months will receive much needed rain.
During the course of Wednesday an active weather front will sweep in from the northwest to bring outbreaks of rain and strong southwesterly winds to all parts.
By Thursday pressure will start to build across Northern Europe that will help bring settled and milder weather to the southern half of the UK into the weekend. To the north though, winds will remain strong and temperatures shy of average as a cold front moves in from the north.

Monday 12 March—Sunday 18 March

Northwest/southeast split for the middle of March?

As we move into the middle part of March, it looks as if we’ll start to see high pressure developing to the south of the UK. Northwestern areas of the UK look set to remain rather unsettled for the start of the week, with temperatures around about average, or perhaps just below. By contrast, the forecast conditions across southeastern parts of the UK tend more towards settled conditions, with temperatures largely above average. By the middle of the week the milder and more settled conditions already affecting southern parts should gradually spread north to most parts of the UK, confining the stronger winds, which may reach gale force at times, and outbreaks of rain to the far northwest of Scotland.
So, on the whole we look set for a week of typical March weather, with a mixture of wet and windy spells and drier interludes. Temperatures don’t look like being particularly out of the ordinary, but it does look likely that there could be a few frosty nights. There are also indications that there will be some decent spells of sunshine by day for many.

Monday 19 March—Sunday 1 April

Perhaps a mild end to the month!?

Moving through the latter part of the month, current indications suggest that we’ll continue to see high pressure controlling weather conditions across the majority of the UK. This means that a generally settled period of weather is likely for most, with temperatures largely on the mild side. That said, some cooler, wetter and windier periods are still expected, predominantly in the north, but they are anticipated to be less frequent towards the end of the month.

http://www.bbc.co.uk...xtra-uk-content

[Stuart]

Monday 12 March Published at 10:00
Monthly Outlook

Summary


Mild in March, Angry in April?

We've seen some fairly mild weather in recent weeks across many parts of the UK, and with high pressure dominating conditions this coming week, this mild and dry theme is set to continue at least for the next few days.
It does look increasingly likely that as we move towards the end of the month, we will see a return to periods of more unsettled weather, certainly for northern areas. Further south however the mild weather may well persist into April.
As for the start of April, early indications suggest that it could be an angry start with some blustery and wet weather on the way!

Monday 12 March—Sunday 18 March

The Pressure is High

As we start the week, a large anticyclone centred right over central southern England will control weather conditions across the UK.
On Monday most places will have a murky start, with a good deal of low cloud, hill fog and the chance for some patchy drizzle across western areas. Further to the east there will be some patchy mist and fog, especially near the coasts, but it will be a generally brighter start. Moving through the day, much of the early mist and murk will lift and clear to give a warm and sunny day for many areas, although western parts, and in particular Northern Ireland, and Northwest Scotland will stay cloudy throughout much of the day, with temperature rises somewhat tempered by the cloud.
Overnight into Tuesday mist, fog and low cloud will slowly reform across most areas, and although the vast majority of places will have a fairly mild night, anywhere that experiences prolonged breaks in the cloud may see temperatures dip close to freezing, meaning that a rural frost is not impossible in the most prone rural locations.
Moving further ahead into the week, we'll see a bit of a repeat performance on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday as the high pressure continues to bring dry and largely mild weather. Winds will start to strengthen from the west across northern parts through Thursday however, which will herald some changes as we move into Friday.
During Friday it looks likely that a low pressure system will swing in from the Atlantic to clip the far northwest of Scotland, bringing some wet and windy weather to all northwestern areas of the UK. Weather fronts associated with this system will sink southeast across all parts of the UK through Friday, but they will tend to peter out somewhat across southeastern parts, so many parts of England and Wales will stay essentially dry.
The weekend looks likely to bring some showery weather for all, with the showers most frequent and heavy in the north, before becoming more settled across southern areas later.

Monday 19 March—Sunday 25 March

Northwest/southeast split?

At the start of next week, it looks likely that pressure will be low across areas to the northwest of the UK, which will maintain a cool, showery and unsettled theme to parts of Northern Ireland, Western Scotland and Northwest England. Further to the southeast though, all indications point towards a situation where pressure stays relatively high, resulting in the return of more mild and dry weather.
It's worth noting though that despite the likelihood of milder conditions across southeastern areas of the UK, there will still be the chance of a touch of overnight frost, although that is not unusual for this time of year.

Monday 26 March—Sunday 1 April

Will March go out like a lamb?

Southern and southeastern areas are likely to remain mainly settled during the last week of March, with little in the way of rain forecast for the areas that need it most, and temperatures perhaps staying just above average. Northern and northwestern areas look set to stay changeable with some dry and bright periods, but also with a chance of some wet and windy weather too, and temperatures staying around average.
There are some signs of more generally unsettled weather affecting the UK at the start of April.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/2635167

[Stuart]

Monday 19 March Published at 10:00
Monthly Outlook

Summary


March out like a lamb, April in like a lion?

High pressure, responsible for much of the dry, mild weather of late, looks set to remain in the vicinity of the UK at least for the first fortnight, with the consequence that once again we could see daytime temperatures rising significantly higher than average where the sun shines.
However, just to prevent us forgetting that it still spring and not yet summer, it looks as though colder northerly or northwesterly winds will make a return with the arrival of April.

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?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/2635167

[Stuart]

Monday 26 March Published at 10:00
Monthly Outlook

Summary


A taste of June in March

The weather has been dominated by a large anticylone over northwestern Europe. Dense fog has been a problem in the mornings with some eastern coastal parts hanging onto fog or low cloud into the afternoon keeping it grey and cool for some, but for most places, most of the recent days have been sunny, warm and dry.
Indeed, some parts of the UK may well set low rainfall records for the month which is not good news given the drought in large parts of England and the impending hose pipe ban.
Parks and open spaces have been teeming with people enjoying the early warmth. Temperatures have been several degrees above average, more like June than March, and some daily records have been broken. In fact, at the time of writing, the all time March temperature record in Scotland was broken. 22.8C was recorded at Fyvie Castle, Aberdeenshire on Sunday, beating the 22.2C recorded on 13th March 1957 and equalled on the 30th March 1965. We may break a record again on Monday.

Monday 26 March—Sunday 1 April

Very warm at first, cooling down later

For the week ahead we remain under the influence of the large anticyclone over northwest Europe. The centre of the high will drift westwards over the next few days, eventually allowing a northwesterly breeze to develop towards the end of the week.
The lower layer of the atmosphere will dry out so that the risk of overnight fog diminishes from Tuesday night onwards but the nights will still be chilly with a risk of frost in prone locations.
Most places can expect a lot of sunshine and well above average temperatures at first and while it will be cooler by the end of the week, however we should still be just above average. Into next weekend and we are expecting temperatures in the north of the UK to drop a degree or two below normal while further south we will be near normal.
There is no rain in the forecast until late Thursday into Friday but even then it's really only the far north of Scotland and amounts look pretty trivial.
By the weekend things will have changed for all with more cloud around.

Monday 2 April—Sunday 8 April

April brings some April showers

From the beginning of April, mainly westerly or southwesterly winds are expected to dominate.
Temperatures are likely to return nearer to average across all areas after the recent warm spell, with some quite chilly nights bringing the possibility of patchy frost.
It will also turn more unsettled and windier, particularly in the north of the UK, with rain or showers at times.
There will still be periods of dry and more settled weather, especially in the south.
In the far north, it may be cold enough for showers to turn wintry at times, with some hill snow possible.

Monday 9 April—Sunday 22 April

More unsettled

A generally unsettled period is expected to develop, with winds often from the west or northwest.
Rainfall amounts for the period look to be around average across the UK, with a continuing chance of some wintry showers falling in some northern areas, mainly on hills.
Temperatures will generally be near or a little below average, with a risk of overnight frosts.
Despite the predominantly more unsettled theme, there will be some drier interludes, particularly in the south, with further warm sunshine at times.

Next week

Will it settle down for the end of April?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/2635167

[Stuart]

Monday 2 April Published at 10:00
Monthly Outlook

Summary


“'til April's dead, change not a thread”

If the mad - indeed record-breaking - March weather caused you to pack away the winter woollies, it might be prudent to dig them back out again for the arrival of April.
High pressure is giving way to colder weather from the north through the early part of the new month. However, although it will turn much colder compared to the last week of March, April will actually be more seasonal, with temperatures close to average and April showers likely at times.

Monday 2 April—Sunday 8 April

“April snow breeds grass”

The southern half of the UK starts with temperatures around where they should be for the beginning of April, however changes will already be afoot further north.
Winter returns as wind, rain, sleet and snow moves southwards across Northern Ireland, England and Wales, having left a potentially disruptive covering of snow across parts of Scotland. The band of wintry weather will clear to leave colder conditions across the country for midweek, with wintry showers and sharp overnight frosts.
Although a brief ridge of high pressure may leave Thursday mainly dry and bright, this cold blast from the north will essentially open the door for the unsettled weather to continue. This means that the rainfall, much needed by farmers, gardeners and water companies, has a higher probability of occurring.

Monday 9 April—Sunday 15 April

“April showers bring forth May flowers”

A prolonged spell (longer than just one week could sensibly provide) of above-average rainfall is required to ease any drought conditions.
However, with further spells of rain or showers expected across much of the country, near or slightly above average rainfall amounts are likely during the second week of April, even in parts of southern England.
Sunshine will be a little below normal but a return to average temperatures is expected, perhaps a little above in any brighter weather.

Monday 16 April—Sunday 29 April

“April weather, rain and sun both together”

Low pressure seems most likely to dominate the weather through the second half of April; the unsettled theme continuing with showers or outbreaks of rain keeping rainfall amounts close to average. Sunshine amounts and temperatures also look set to be around the seasonal norm, so it is unlikely that we will see a repeat of April 2011, which was the warmest April on record across the UK.

Next week

After their premature airing during March, will May see a return to shorts and flip-flop-friendly weather?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/2635167

[Stuart]

Monday 9 April Published at 10:00
Monthly Outlook

Summary


They're called April showers for a reason

April 2011 was the warmest April across the UK since records began. At the moment April 2012 looks very unlikely to challenge that record. But if the April showers bring forth May flowers then we may be admiring some beautiful blooms next month.
After a cool, cloudy and damp start to the month we continue with an unsettled pattern as low pressure lingers into May bringing cool and showery conditions.

Monday 9 April—Sunday 15 April

Cool and showery

After the heavy rain on Easter Monday, the rest of the week can be broadly classified as 'sunshine and showers'.
Low pressure centred towards the northeast of the country will feed unstable air across the UK. As the saying goes, what comes up must come down. Where the air is coming down we will see sunny spells but where the air is rising it will do so rigorously leading to heavy and sometimes thundery showers with hail.
Although temperatures will tend to be fairly typical for the time of year, it will get cold enough for some wintry showers to fall across the high ground of Scotland and perhaps northern England. Frost is also likely to form in places overnight, more especially in the countryside.

Monday 16 April—Sunday 22 April

A similar story

Low pressure will remain in charge through this week which means showers are once again going to dominate our weather pattern. With very unstable air across the UK these showers are often likely to be heavy and thundery, bringing hail at times and snow across northern hills.
On occasion, these showers will merge, bringing longer spells of rain. The north and east of the country looks likely to see the lion's share of the wet weather at first with the best of any sunny spells in the west. However as the week progresses the showers will become increasingly likely to make their way from east to west.
Temperature-wise we will notice the mercury dropping a little lower than we would normally expect for mid-April and it will often be breezy, making it feel that bit cooler. Overnight frost will still be a possibility from time to time, particularly in the countryside.

Monday 23 April—Sunday 6 May

The low lingers

The low pressure seems very reluctant to leave as we head towards May, although high pressure may build towards Iceland for a time. Therefore unsettled weather is likely to remain in charge across the south of the country brining rain and showers, particularly for the last week of April. To the north it may become more settled at times with drier and brighter weather making an appearance.
Still often breezy and feeling chilly for this time of year, most noticeably in the north and east. Overnight frosts are still likely from time to time when the wind becomes light, particularly for inland areas in the countryside.

Next week

Is the low pressure here to stay?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/2635167

[Stuart]

Monday 16 April Published at 10:00
Monthly Outlook

Summary


Drip drip drop - more than a little April shower

April 2011 was the warmest April across the UK since records began and April 2012 still looks very unlikely to challenge that record. If April showers bring forth May flowers as the saying goes, then we may be admiring some beautiful blooms next month.
We keep the unsettled pattern this week, and with low pressure looking set to linger into May, cool and showery conditions will prevail.

Monday 16 April—Sunday 22 April

A similar story

Low pressure will remain in charge through this week, which means showers are once again going to dominate our weather pattern. With very unstable air across the UK these showers are likely to be heavy and thundery, bringing hail at times and snow across northern hills.
On occasion, these showers will merge, bringing longer spells of rain. The west of the country will see the lion's share of the wet weather at the start of the week, with the best of any sunny spells in the east on Monday. However as the week gets fully underway the wet and windy weather will make its way west to east, swiftly followed by blustery showers. These will, on occasion, merge to give longer spells of rain, especially across the south later on Tuesday into Wednesday.
Temperature-wise we will notice the mercury dropping a little lower than we would normally expect for mid-April and it will often be windy, making it feel that bit cooler. Overnight frost will still be a possibility from time to time, particularly in the countryside and especially on Monday morning, when it will be particularly sharp and damaging.

Monday 23 April—Sunday 29 April

A lingering low

Low pressure seems very reluctant to leave as we head towards May, therefore unsettled weather is likely to continue across country, bringing rain and showers. Some short interludes of fine and settled weather are likely to be mixed in too.
In association with some heavier spells of rain it is likely to be windy once again, and generally it will be breezy, making it feel chilly for the time of year. Overnight frosts are still likely from time to time when the wind becomes light, particularly for inland rural areas.

Monday 30 April—Sunday 13 May

Ne’er cast a clout till May be out

The changeable theme of April looks as though it will be carried forth into May. Although some drier and brighter spells are expected, further rain or showers are likely for most places, accompanied by a chilly feel.
There is the chance that pressure may start to build from the southwest towards the middle of May, which would settle things down across southern and western parts of the country, and as a result rainfall amounts here may end up lower than average. The north and east look to stay cloudier and wetter than normal, on balance.

Next week

Will an anticyclone build across the country, or will low pressure keep its grip

http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/2635167