Rayleigh (Essex) weather

Headline:

Grey and blustery Good Friday, heavy showers possible later.

Today:

Grey and cloudy with outbreaks of light rain through the day. Cloud breaking up into the evening, with some late sunny spells developing, however some heavy showers also possible. Winds remain blustery throughout. Maximum temperature 16 °C.

Tonight:

Heavy showers clear southeastward into the night, with clear spells developing in behind providing some late sunshine across northern parts. Clear skies overnight will lead to a chilly start. Minimum temperature 2 °C.

Saturday:

Cloudy through the morning with patchy light rain at times. Drier through the afternoon, with some brighter spells. Winds strengthening later, strong inland with coastal gales into the night. Maximum temperature 16 °C.

Outlook for Sunday to Tuesday:

Strong winds and coastal gales easing Sunday morning, followed by the odd blustery shower from the northwest. Sunshine and light winds Monday; breezier Tuesday but staying dry and sunny.

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.