Stromness (Orkney Islands) weather

Headline:

Early rain at first, otherwise dry.

Today:

Occasional rain clearing away through the morning. Otherwise a dry day with some bright or sunny spells, although not brightening up across Shetland until afternoon. Maximum temperature 8 °C.

Tonight:

Largely dry with variable amounts of cloud through the evening and overnight, but with the chance of the odd shower, particularly for Orkney. Minimum temperature 3 °C.

Tuesday:

Bright spells between variable amounts of cloud. Scattered showers through the day, perhaps becoming more prolonged spells of rain at times. Light winds. Maximum temperature 7 °C.

Outlook for Wednesday to Friday:

Wednesday will see bright spells interspersed with scattered showers in a light wind. Mainly dry and bright Thursday, but the odd shower. Rain for a time Friday and strengthening winds.

The change to much more unsettled conditions will begin on Friday as a deep area of low pressure, which is yet to develop, will be steered towards the UK on a powerful Jet Stream - fuelled by the recent cold spell over North America. A wet and windy few days are likely, with some snow in the north for a time, and then a continuation of these periods of rain followed by showers, often accompanied by strong winds, looks likely for the rest of the month and the start of February. There is the potential for weather warnings or even a named storm at some point. Temperatures at least should recover in most places, ending up a little above average, though admittedly not feeling like it at times.

The start of February is likely to continue on an unsettled and relatively mild theme, with periods of rain, showers and strong winds, alternating in most parts with short-lived brighter and cooler interludes. Pressure may build across southern areas towards mid-month, which would result in longer drier and more-settled spells here, albeit with an increased chance of overnight fog and frost.