Showers, hail and strong winds are expected to sweep across much of the UK on Saturday, before conditions improve markedly on Sunday.
The Met Office has forecast a turbulent start to the weekend, with Saturday 10 October expected to bring widespread showers and a wintry feel to parts of the country. The national forecaster said the weekend would “bring a brief taste of winter” to certain regions. Snow is expected only on the highest ground, mainly in Scotland. Sunday is forecast to be much calmer and drier for most people.
Saturday: showers, wind and a risk of snow
According to the Met Office, showers will move through widely during the day, with northern parts of the UK likely to see the most frequent and intense downpours. “Scotland will be particularly prone to heavy showers, with a risk of hail and thunder,” the forecaster said. “There could even be a temporary sprinkling of snow over the highest ground, adding a wintry flavour to the autumn weather.”
The heaviest rain is expected in northern and western areas, with showers continuing across Scotland, Northern Ireland and northern England. Coastal gales are possible in the north-west, and hail and thunderstorms may accompany some of the heavier downpours. The wintry spell is expected over elevated terrain rather than in towns and cities.
Powerful winds will make the day feel significantly colder. Some locations will see below-average temperatures, and the Met Office warned that the strength of the wind would make it feel noticeably more bitter. The north will face the blustery conditions that create the chillier feel.
Not every area will feel the full force of the cold snap. The far south and south-east will escape the worst of the showers and may see longer, brighter spells. London and the south-east are expected to stay largely dry with sunny spells.
Downpours are forecast to persist through Saturday evening and ease steadily as the night goes on. They could linger overnight, particularly along coastal regions and across parts of northern and central England.
Sunday: a brighter, calmer day
Sunday will be markedly different. The morning is expected to start much brighter for most areas, and the sharp wind from the previous night should calm in the early hours, bringing a touch of coolness before easing gradually. Some places could still see rain, particularly in the morning.
The Met Office said: “There will also be far fewer showers than on Saturday, allowing many areas to enjoy a dry day with some sunny spells. With lighter winds and more sunshine, conditions should feel noticeably more pleasant, despite temperatures remaining broadly similar to the previous day.”
Cloud is likely to build during the afternoon, and an isolated spot of rain cannot be ruled out. Even so, most places should stay dry, which the forecaster said made Sunday “the best opportunity for outdoor plans”. London and the south-east are expected to have a generally fine day.
