The EU has passed a motion to end the twice yearly clock change by 410 votes to 192

The change will come into effect in April 2021 for those moving to permanent summer time for those who decide on permanent winter time the change will happen in October 2021

The the UK government has indicated it will stick to the current system after Brexit

https://news.sky.com/story/eu-votes-to-stop-moving-clocks-twice-a-year-11675731 

The EU has passed a motion to end the twice yearly clock change by 410 votes to 192

The change will come into effect in April 2021 for those moving to permanent summer time for those who decide on permanent winter time the change will happen in October 2021

The the UK government has indicated it will stick to the current system after Brexit

https://news.sky.com/story/eu-votes-to-stop-moving-clocks-twice-a-year-11675731

Thereby pleasing nobody in the UK. Gavin?

It still beats me why we can't simply get up early or later according to the day length.

Roger

---

">https://news.sky.com/story/eu-votes-to-stop-moving-clocks-twice-a-year-11675731

Thereby pleasing nobody in the UK. Gavin?

It still beats me why we can't simply get up early or later according to the day length.

Roger

 

Could cause fun in Northern Ireland assuming the ROI go onto one time zone all year round

For 5/6 months a year you could have Northern Ireland and ROI split by 1-hour

The EU has passed a motion to end the twice yearly clock change by 410 votes to 192

The change will come into effect in April 2021 for those moving to permanent summer time for those who decide on permanent winter time the change will happen in October 2021

The the UK government has indicated it will stick to the current system after Brexit

https://news.sky.com/story/eu-votes-to-stop-moving-clocks-twice-a-year-11675731

The UK may be leaving the EU (I say may here because of the events just now which makes you wonder whether or not, that will ever actually happen) but the Irish Republic as an independent nation will still continue to be part of the EU even after Brexit.

That in turn raises another question when it comes to clock changes because there is the question of whether Ireland will go along with those changes as part of the EU, or whether they will following the British lead by sticking with the same system.

If they take the latter course of action, this will possibly result in the Republic of Ireland being the only remaining EU country not to go through with those changes, otherwise we would then find ourselves in a different time zone here in the UK from the Irish Republic which would result in my having to change my clocks if I wanted to take the short trip across the Irish Sea to somewhere like Dublin, in the same way as we already have to when we are travelling to somewhere in France which is only a very short hop across the English Channel from the far SE of England.

It is therefore going to be interesting to see how all of that pans out.

 

---

Monday 1 Apr - Wednesday 10 Apr

Next week will be off to a chilly but mainly fine start on Monday with a frost likely in central and southern areas, and showers in the north which will bring some snow to the hills. Becoming more changeable through the week, with rain and strong winds at times, mainly in the northwest of the UK, where some wintry showers are possible. There will be some rain in the south too from time to time, but there will be more in the way of dry weather around. Into the following week, there is a chance that it may become settled more widely. It is likely to be fairly cold through the period, with some overnight frost likely, but feeling a little warmer in the afternoons in any sunny spells.

Thursday 11 Apr - Thursday 25 Apr

There is a lot of uncertainty in the forecast this far ahead, but there is a chance we could see mainly settled weather across the UK. Some wetter interludes are still possible, as weather fronts may affect western or southwestern parts of the UK. It could well turn warm at times, particularly in the south.

https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/public/weather/forecast

BBC monthly outlook

Summary

A changeable outlook; unsettled for a time next week

_________________________________

Wednesday 27 March—Sunday 31 March

Patchy rain on Saturday; otherwise settled.

Through the rest of this week, much of the UK will see often dry and settled weather thanks to an area of high pressure in the south. Much of the UK will also have some decent periods of sunshine through the coming days. The days will become rather warm in the south, too, with highs reaching the mid to high teens Celsius. However, the nights will still be quite chilly, particularly in the south, with a touch of frost possible in sheltered rural areas. Patchy mist and fog are likely, too, over the southern half of the UK during the nights and early mornings. One exception to the dry and settled weather will be over northwest Scotland, where brisk westerly winds are likely to bring a lot of cloud and some occasional rain and drizzle. On Saturday, a weak front will move southwards across the whole country, bringing a band of cloud and patchy rain. Otherwise, many areas will have a predominantly dry week.

Monday 1 April—Sunday 7 April

Chillier, breezier and showery for a time.

On Monday, many central, southern and eastern areas of the UK should hold onto mainly dry and settled conditions. However, fronts will approach from the north-west, heralding a change in the weather with brisk winds and rain starting to reach north-western parts of the country. Breezier, chillier and showery conditions are then likely to sweep southwards across the UK through Tuesday and Wednesday. Some of the showers are likely to be wintry, with hail and hill snow mixed-in.

However, there should be some sunshine at times. The nights are likely to be rather cold for April with a frost in places. The second half of next week should see a high pressure area move nearer to the UK again, bringing somewhat drier and less windy weather. However, a few showers could persist. By the very end of the week, we may see further wet and breezy weather spread from the north.

Monday 8 April—Sunday 21 April

Changeable but trending drier and milder later

Changeable conditions are likely for a time but there are indications for a trend towards lengthier dry and settled periods of weather as the month progresses. Through the second week of April, we expect another spell of wet and breezy weather to extend from the north for a time (although confidence regarding this is low). However, any unsettled spell should be fairly short-lived with the best of the drier and calmer weather most likely later in the week. Temperatures are expected to be near to the seasonal average. Into the third week of April, we should experience some lengthier periods of dry and settled weather as high pressure moves nearer to the UK again.

Temperatures are likely to lift too, rising a little above the seasonal average. Indeed, it should feel pleasant in any lengthier periods of sunshine. However, there will continue to be the potential for a few chilly nights and frosts cannot be ruled out. The main uncertainty is over the persistence of the high pressure area - there are chances that it could stay further away to the south-west, which would lead to a continuation of more changeable conditions with some rainfall and brisk winds at times.

Next Update

We will take another look to see whether April is likely to trend drier and calmer after a breezy and chilly start.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/outlook

Tuesday 2 Apr - Thursday 11 Apr

A front will bring a drop in temperatures and outbreaks of rain as it pushes southeastwards on Tuesday. Sunshine and showers following, these occasionally heavy and thundery, especially in the north/northeast, with some sleet and snow over hills. After a cold and frosty start, Wednesday will bring further showers though it should turn drier in the northwest before further rain arrives later. Through the rest of the period it is most likely to remain unsettled with showers or bands of rain pushing in from the west. The showers will be heaviest in the north/northwest with hail and thunder, and wintry over the hills. It is likely to remain rather cold with overnight frosts likely. It will also become generally windy, with gales possible, especially towards the northwest.

Friday 12 Apr - Friday 26 Apr

As is typical for spring, there is a lot of uncertainty in the forecast as we go further through April. However, weather systems are expected to push in from the Atlantic at the start of this period. As such the most unsettled and wettest weather is likely to be in the north and northeast, whilst it should stay drier towards the south and southwest. There are then some indications that a blocking pattern could develop through the middle of the month allowing for more settled weather generally. Some wetter interludes are still likely though, these perhaps mainly affecting the west and southwest. Temperatures are likely to rise compared to normal, becoming rather warm for the second half of the month.

https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/public/weather/forecast

Met office 10-day trend

Dry and warm
Turning colder
April showers

 

John Hammond's latest monthly outlook

• Chillier winds to start April


• Sunshine and heavy showers


• Drier later in the month

Full forecast as ever is here for subscribers*  https://weathertrending.com/2019/03/29/john-hammond-month-ahead-clocks-forward-winter-back/

*Subscription is free but you must sign up to view

Wednesday 3 Apr - Friday 12 Apr

The latter half of next week looks to be fairly unsettled with a mix of drier spells and some rain at times, which may potentially bring some snow to hilltops in the north. It will also be generally quite windy, with some gales possible towards the northwest of the UK. Through the second week of April it is most likely to become a bit more settled across the UK, with drier and brighter conditions more likely, especially in north and northwestern parts of the UK. It is likely to remain rather cold overnight with some frosts likely, but it will get warm in the afternoons in any sunshine, especially towards the end of the period.

Saturday 13 Apr - Saturday 27 Apr

As is typical for spring, there is a lot of uncertainty in the forecast as we go further through April. However, the weather should stay fairly settled. Some wetter interludes are still possible from time to time, these perhaps mainly affecting the west and southwest. Temperatures are likely to be above the average for the time of year, becoming rather warm for the second half of the month.

https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/public/weather/forecast

BBC monthly outlook

Summary

Unsettled next week, then drier and calmer

_________________________________

Saturday 30 March—Sunday 7 April

Becoming cooler this weekend. Unsettled next week.

The recent period of dry and calm weather will last into the weekend for most areas of the UK. A cold front will move southwards during Saturday, but this will be an increasingly weak feature, with the rain along the front tending to ease as it crosses Scotland. By the time the front reaches northern England on Saturday afternoon the rain will be very light and intermittent. Central and southern areas will remain dry and warm, but northern Scotland will become cool and windy with scattered showers. There may be some patchy rain in northern England on Saturday night, but most areas will be dry. It will be a chilly night in the north.

Sunday will be a cool day in all areas but it will be largely dry, and Sunday night will be dry and chilly, with the chance of a more widespread frost than Saturday night. Next week is expected to be a more unsettled week. Monday will see another front pushing down from the north-west, this bringing outbreaks of rain to many areas during the day or overnight. Tuesday looks very breezy or windy and chilly, with showers affecting many areas. The rest of the week will see low pressure near or over the UK, so further showers and rain are likely, although with some drier and calmer spells too. It will remain cool for the time of year and there could be the occasional overnight frost.

Monday 8 April—Sunday 14 April

Chillier, breezier and showery for a time.

The unsettled weather may continue into the start of the week, but there is increasingly high confidence that we will see a change to more settled weather during the week. There may be some showers or rain at the start of the week, perhaps accompanied by windy conditions in some areas. The low pressure area responsible for this unsettled weather should gradually move southwards or south-eastwards away from the UK in the first part of the week. At the same time, a ridge of high pressure will build across Scandinavia and this will start to influence our weather.

It should become drier and less windy in all areas, with rainfall generally near or below normal. Temperatures are also expected to rise from a little below normal, with the chance of a couple of chilly nights at the start of the week, to a degree or two above normal in most areas by the middle and end of the week. There is a little uncertainty over the details, and we may see high pressure building becoming more influential from much earlier in the week. If this happens then expect it to be dry, calm and perhaps a little less cold for most of the week.

Monday 15 April—Sunday 28 April

Dry with light winds. Warmer than normal.

The second half of April is expected to be fine, dry and settled as high pressure moves across the UK. This high pressure will continue to block Atlantic weather systems, preventing them reaching most of northern Europe. As a result, we expect all areas of the UK to be a lot drier than normal with lighter winds. Temperatures are expected to be a bit above normal, but there will still be the chance of some chilly nights, especially where skies remain clear and winds remain light.

The main alternative to our preferred dry and calm pattern involves the high pressure area shifting further west or south-west, allowing Atlantic low pressure systems to push across the UK and northern Europe at times. Even in this scenario, we would still expect any wet and breezy weather to be intermittent, with drier and calmer spells too. Temperatures would tend to vary around normal, with only a small chance of some colder northerly winds developing.

Next Update

We'll give more daily detail on the unsettled weather towards the end of the week, and we will see if there is any threat to the dry and calm weather currently expected for the middle and end of the month.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/outlook

Thursday 4 Apr - Saturday 13 Apr

The latter half of next week looks to be fairly unsettled with a mix of drier spells and some rain at times, which may potentially bring some snow to hilltops in the north. It will also be generally quite windy, with some gales possible towards the northwest of the UK. Through the second week of April it is most likely to become a bit more settled across the UK, with drier and brighter conditions more likely, especially in north and northwestern parts of the UK. It is likely to remain rather cold overnight with some frosts likely, but it will get warm in the afternoons in any sunshine, especially towards the end of the period.

Sunday 14 Apr - Sunday 28 Apr

As is typical for spring, there is a lot of uncertainty in the forecast as we go further through April. However, the weather should stay fairly settled. Some wetter interludes are still possible from time to time, these perhaps mainly affecting the west and southwest. Temperatures are likely to be above the average for the time of year, becoming rather warm for the second half of the month.

https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/public/weather/forecast

Met office CPF March update

April to June

Temperature summary

For April-May-June as a whole, above-average temperatures are more likely than below-average temperatures. Overall, the probability that the UK-average temperature for April-May-June will fall into the coldest of our five categories is 5%, and the probability that it will fall into the warmest of our five categories is 45% (the 1981-2010 probability for each of these categories is 20%).

Full forecast: https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/binaries/content/assets/mohippo/pdf/public-sector/forecast-temp-amj-v2.pdf

Precipitation summary

For April-May-June as a whole, below-average precipitation is slightly more likely than above-average precipitation. The probability that UK-average precipitation for April-May-June will fall into the driest of our five categories is between 20% and 25% and the probability that it will fall into the wettest of our five categories is between 15% and 20% (the 1981-2010 probability for each of these categories is 20%).

https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/binaries/content/assets/mohippo/pdf/public-sector/forecast-precip-amj-v2.pdf

Friday 5 Apr - Sunday 14 Apr

It will be mostly settled at first, with temperatures recovering to near normal, although some showers will continue in the west. Over next weekend, more changeable weather is likely for many, with a risk of gales in exposure. It will stay unsettled into the new working week, with areas of rain and showers affecting the UK, these possibly wintry at times over higher ground in the north. Thereafter, it will probably become more settled across the UK, with drier and brighter conditions more likely overall, especially in north and northwestern parts of the UK. It is likely to remain rather cold overnight with some frosts at first, but temperatures will generally rise to a little above the seasonal average.

Monday 15 Apr - Monday 29 Apr

As is typical for spring, there is a lot of uncertainty in the forecast as we go further through April. However, the weather is most likely to stay fairly settled. Some wetter interludes are still possible from time to time, these perhaps mainly affecting the west and southwest. Temperatures are likely to be above the average for the time of year, becoming rather warm towards the end of April.

https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/public/weather/forecast

Saturday 6 Apr - Monday 15 Apr

Mixed through the weekend with areas of rain and showers affecting the UK, most prevalent in the east and northeast but possible anywhere. Some brighter conditions are likely too with temperatures close to normal, but feeling colder on North Sea coasts. This weather pattern will probably continue through early next week, before it gradually becomes more settled through to mid month. The driest weather is likely to be across the north and northwest, with more unsettled weather affecting the south and southwest at times. Temperatures are likely to start off close to normal, although eastern coasts will be colder at times with an easterly wind. As it turns more settled temperatures may become warmer in places, but with the risk of overnight frost.

Tuesday 16 Apr Tuesday 30 Apr

As is typical for spring, there is a lot of uncertainty in the forecast as we go further through April. However, the weather is most likely to stay fairly settled. Some wetter interludes are still possible from time to time, these perhaps mainly affecting the south and southwest. Temperatures are likely to be above the average for the time of year, becoming rather warm towards the end of April.

https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/public/weather/forecast

Sunday 7 Apr - Tuesday 16 Apr

A dry end to the weekend for many places, although still the chance of some showers across southwestern and northeastern parts, otherwise bright with spells of sunshine. Feeling cold in the east, with brisk easterly winds at times, whilst the west will be warmer. This pattern is likely to continue through next week with the greatest risk of showers likely to be across southern and some eastern areas, with many places dry. As we head towards mid month it will gradually become more settled with the driest weather towards the west and northwest. Temperatures will be colder at times on the east coast with an easterly wind. As it turns more settled temperatures may become warmer in places, but with the possibility of overnight frost.

Wednesday 17 Apr - Wednesday 1 May

As is typical for spring, there is a lot of uncertainty in the forecast as we go further through April. However, the weather is most likely to stay fairly settled. Some wetter interludes are still possible from time to time, these perhaps mainly affecting the south and southwest. Temperatures are likely to be above the average for the time of year, becoming rather warm towards the end of April.

https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/public/weather/forecast

Monday 8 Apr - Wednesday 17 Apr

Initially, it will be bright in the west, but largely cloudy elsewhere. Some isolated showers are also likely, with light rain and drizzle in the east. There will be the chance of overnight frost, especially in the north, where it will feel cold. The brightest conditions will continue to be in the west, with mainly cloudy conditions in the east. Temperatures will be near the seasonal average to rather warm in the south and west, and it will feel cold in many eastern areas. There will be the greatest risk of showers across southern and some eastern areas, with many places dry. As we head towards mid month it will gradually become more settled though, with the driest weather towards the west and northwest.

Thursday 18 Apr - Thursday 2 May

For the latter part of April, blocked and settled conditions are most likely to dominate the weather. These will bring a good deal of dry weather, especially across the north and northwest of the UK. There are still likely to be some wetter interludes from time to time, these perhaps mainly affecting the south and southwest. Temperatures are likely to be above the average for the time of year.

https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/public/weather/forecast

BBC monthly outlook

Summary

Unsettled this week, then drier and calmer

_________________________________

Wednesday 3 April—Sunday 7 April

A brief return to winter

The UK is currently under the grip of a significant early spring cold spell, with many areas waking up to an air frost on Wednesday morning, with sleet and snow falling to low levels in northeast England and eastern Scotland for a time. There will be further wintry showers with hail, thunder and lightning, across Wales and central England today, with more general cloud and wintry precipitation lingering in the north, while there will be gales in western and northern Scotland. On Friday, many central and eastern areas will be dry with sunny spells, although it will be rather cloudy and wet in the west and far north.

Temperatures will climb closer to average for many areas, however, much of Britain should remain dry with banks of cloud and some sunny spells on Saturday, although cloud and rain will tend to linger across SW England and Wales for much of the day, with a few spots of rain for Scotland too.  It will be a touch milder for most over the weekend. By Sunday, an east to northeasterly airflow will become established, and there should be a lot of dry but quite cloudy weather, with a few spots of rain or light showers still possible.

Monday 8 April—Sunday 14 April

Largely settled, but cloudy at times

In stark contrast to this week, next week will be dominated by high pressure building to the north and northeast of the UK. This will maintain an easterly airflow during the first half of the week, although this won't bring any cold air from Scandinavia. In fact, temperatures will be about normal for the time of year, and there will be a lot of dry weather too, with the winds often light. However, areas of low cloud may move across the country from the North Sea at times, and these could be thick enough to produce a little patchy rain or occasional light showers. The sunniest and driest weather is most likely to be found across central and eastern Britain. 

There are indications that high pressure could briefly extend further southwest across the UK for a time around the middle of the week, allowing one or two colder and clearer nights to develop, although largely dry conditions are still expected. Towards the end of the week, an area of low pressure will slide southeast to the west of Britain, and this could push one or two weak fronts into southern and southwestern areas, where some patchy rain or showers could develop. Many central and northern areas should remain dry with occasional banks of cloud and spells of sunshine.

Monday 15 April—Sunday 28 April

High pressure giving a warm end to April

Around the middle of April, there may still be unsettled and showery days across southern Britain, as low pressure remains close for a time. This is not expected to last, as high pressure is expected to re-establish itself from the east or northeast, bringing a return to drier and calmer conditions once again. There may be some large diurnal temperature variations - with rather warm and sunny afternoons, but chilly nights developing under relatively clear skies. Occasional banks of low cloud or mist may drift into eastern coasts from the North Sea, limiting daytime temperatures here.

During the final week of the month, a number of different sources continue to support a rather 'blocked pattern', with high pressure near to or situated directly over the UK. This should allow lengthy periods of dry and calm weather for many areas. It is likely to be warm, with temperatures above normal for the time of year, although the nights could still be quite chilly at times. Towards the end of the month, wetter and windier conditions may return to northern Scotland, as low pressure develops to the north.

Next Update

Will April will end on a dry and warm note, or could low pressure return as we head into May?

https://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/outlook

Been a while since Dartmoor or Devon rather saw sleet/wet snow in April - nice to see Dartmoor having a light covering this morning, given that last year we had 25c in April with warm sunshine!

Spotlight weather suggest more is forecast tonight for them and there could be another covering: - This was what Dartmoor looked like early hours of this morning:

https://www.plymouthherald.co.uk/news/local-news/snow-falls-devon-leaving-county-2714918 

---