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Winter solstice today

[Updated 08:30 21/12/2016]

Wednesday marks the winter solstice which is the shortest day of the year. A transition to more unsettled weather is now underway and all regions will have wet and windy spells in the coming days.

This morning begins with patchy rain in the south and prolonged showers in the north west. Elsewhere there are dry periods. Through the day outbreaks of rain affect southern and central areas at times and it will be windy. In the north west heavy showers continue and some of these could be wintry. To the east it should be mostly dry.

Maximum temperatures range from about 4C (39F) in Scotland to to 11C (52F) in the south. See the rainfall radar for the latest view.

Tonight blustery showers continue in the north west and winds strengthen. Elsewhere it becomes mostly dry.

Tomorrow the north west has further showers and these will be wintry at times. In other areas dry weather should make it a good day for Christmas shopping.

It's all change again on Friday as a deep area of low pressure tracks to the northwest of the UK. This brings the risk of damaging 90mph wind gusts in the far north and gales in much of the country. A band of heavy rain spreading southeastwards adds to the potential problems.

Christmas Eve should bring a respite but further wet and windy weather is expected on Christmas Day. In the north showers could turn wintry as clearer conditions return. Buzz looks at the storm risk. To keep up to date with the latest view for the big day check our Christmas Countdown which is updated daily.

Ensembles at a glance

The 16 day GEFS ensemble show the weather turning unsettled in the short term. After Boxing Day drier conditions return but things become more changeable by the New Year.