Headline:

Mostly dry with sunny spells Thursday, rain spreading east later.

Today:

For most, a dry day with some bright or sunny spells. Turning cloudier in the afternoon as a band of rain spreads eastwards into Argyll, accompanied by strengthening winds. Staying dry elsewhere. Maximum temperature 10 °C.

Tonight:

A cloudy evening with rain and strong winds over Argyll at first spreading eastwards to all parts. Cloudy with outbreaks of rain overnight, becoming drier with clear spells towards dawn. Minimum temperature 3 °C.

Friday:

A mixed day with some bright and sunny spells but also blustery showers feeding in from the west. Maximum temperature 9 °C.

Outlook for Saturday to Monday:

Rain and strong winds spreading north on Saturday with a risk of gales. Blustery showers with gale risk easing on Sunday. Mostly dry with sunny spells Monday, windy near coasts.

Rather changeable conditions are expected through this period, as a series of Atlantic frontal systems track eastwards across the UK, accompanied by some strong winds at times. These will bring occasional spells of rain or showers, heaviest and most frequent in the west and northwest, with longer drier interludes likely in the south and sheltered eastern areas. Whilst temperatures will be close to average for the period as a whole, there may be opportunities for some short-lived warm spells in the south and east. Conversely, occasional colder interludes in the northwest will bring the chance of some wintry showers, especially to hills, and overnight frost.

It is probable that more blocked, or at least slowly evolving, weather patterns will become increasingly dominant through the middle of the month. Whilst confidence is low, this may result in more settled and drier conditions overall. There may, however, still be some more unsettled interludes at times, especially in the south and southwest. Later in April, the probability of more changeable and unsettled weather increases. Temperatures will probably be around or a little above normal for the period as a whole.