Britons can anticipate a period of challenging weather conditions over the Easter holiday weekend, marked by persistent storms and scattered rainfall according to current meteorological assessments. The unfavorable forecast stems from an established atmospheric pattern that consistently brings colder air currents originating from northern and eastern regions following April 20th.
Current projections indicate this pattern will dominate throughout the holiday period; winds presently flowing from the southeast are expected to gradually shift towards a northeasterly and ultimately northerly trajectory by next week. These cooler wind directions, combined with the influence of low pressure systems, are predicted to maintain an unstable weather situation, particularly affecting southern and southwestern areas of the United Kingdom.
Key Weather Highlights:
- Eastern Exposure: Good Friday saw drier conditions and sunshine in eastern parts of the UK, including the north and east of Scotland.
- Midlands Showers: Scattered showers were reported across the Midlands and central southern England yesterday evening. Overnight temperatures ranged from 5 to 7 degrees Celsius.
- Northern Ireland’s Change: Northern Ireland is likely to experience rain early today, with a gradual improvement anticipated later in the day.
- South Wales & Southwest Rainfall: South Wales and the southwest are forecast to remain under a threat of showers, potentially developing into heavier, thundery downpours in southern England and the south Midlands.
- Dry Patches: Many other regions will experience mostly dry conditions following a misty start to the day.
Temperatures are expected to fluctuate, with coastal areas and northern Scotland feeling particularly cool – reaching highs of 10 to 12 degrees Celsius – while sunnier locations further inland may see temperatures climb up to 16 degrees Celsius. “
Saturday night is anticipated to bring continued shower activity, primarily affecting the Midlands southward, while the northern areas will remain largely dry. Easter Sunday offers a slightly more settled outlook in the north and northwest, though showers could persist further south. Easter Monday presents the most significant risk of widespread and heavier rainfall across England and Wales, with potential for thunderstorms.
This year’s late Easter date – influenced by the timing of the first full moon following the spring equinox (April 13th) – resulted in April 20th being the earliest possible Sunday. Next year’s Easter will shift forward to April 5th.
Meteorologist Jim Dale, representing British Weather Services, stated: “Following a remarkably mild and sunny start to spring with temperatures consistently around mid-20 degrees Celsius, it’s reasonable to expect the weather to ‘balance’ this unusual period. We are likely to see conditions return to more typical levels for this time of year.” He further indicated that “the outlook remains unsettled throughout the coming week and potentially into early May, with low pressure systems expected to remain dominant.”
