Weather and climate change

Headline:

Remaining unsettled, though some warm sunshine for many at times.

Today:

Early thundery rain across southern England and south Wales easing. Some bright spells developing, although further thundery showers may develop later. Some warm sunshine elsewhere, but chilly around North Sea coasts where there could be some low cloud.

Tonight:

Areas of rain over the southern half of the UK spread west with the risk of thunderstorms. Dry elsewhere with low cloud reforming in some northern and eastern parts.

Friday:

Cloudy with some heavy showers across central parts which can be thundery. Mainly dry with sunny spells across north Scotland, Northern Ireland and the southwest. Temperatures just above average.

Outlook for Saturday to Monday:

Remaining unsettled for the bank holiday. Rain at times, with heavy showers but sunnier spells from time to time. Temperatures generally above average way from cloud and rain.

Updated: 05:00 (UTC+1) on Thu 2 May 2024

On Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday, the weather details are still fairly uncertain, but overall it should be fairly warm with scattered showers. There is also a chance of cloudier conditions with rain spreading from the southwest for a time on Sunday. As we move into the new week, the chance of rain and showers reduces as high pressure builds to the east of the UK. This will bring dry and fine weather for most areas, although there is still a possibility of rain or showers in the west. Into the following week, high pressure is likely to remain dominant. Sunnier conditions are expected across the south, while it may be cloudier in the north and east. Temperatures are expected to be slightly above normal for early May.

Updated: 15:00 (UTC+1) on Wed 1 May 2024

During the longer range outlook period, there is a greater chance of unsettled weather returning, especially across the south. This means that spells of wet weather are likely for most, notably across southern or central areas, while drier conditions on balance are more likely further north. There are no strong signs for any exceptional temperatures either above or below average, but warm days are possible as are some chilly nights.

Updated: 16:00 (UTC+1) on Wed 1 May 2024