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Thursday begins with outbreaks of rain and snow in eastern Scotland. Elsewhere it is windy and there are showers but spells of persistent rain have cleared eastwards overnight.

This morning the rain and snow in Scotland clears to leave bright spells in all regions. There will be showers in the north and west but southern and eastern counties should be mostly dry. Winds gradually ease through the day but it remains blustery.

Temperatures range from about 3C (37F) in Scotland to 12C (54F) in the south west. See the rainfall radar for the latest view. The GFS forecast chart shows the very steep temperature gradient today. 

Wet in the south tonight

Tonight outbreaks of rain push eastwards across southern counties with the northern extent probably close to London. Central and northern regions have clear spells with a touch of frost by the morning. In the north west showers continue and they will fall as snow at times.

Meteo France Arpege 00z, 23rd Nov, surface pressure and precipitation for 00:00 GMT, Fri 24th Nov

Wintry showers in the north tomorrow

Tomorrow morning rain clears from the south eastern corner. All regions then have a good deal of dry weather but in the north there will be wintry showers which could give some accumulations of snow in Scotland. It will be cold with top temperatures close to 9C (48F) in southern coastal. During the second half of the day thicker cloud may bring outbreaks of rain to the south west.

Cold weekend

All regions have a cold Saturday. Southern and eastern areas should be mostly dry and bright. In the north and west there will be wintry showers which could turn heavy at times. Accumulating snow is likely over high ground in the west and at lower levels in the north. A blustery northwesterly wind exacerbates the chill.  

The GFS precipitation chart below shows the general picture expected on Saturday afternoon. However showery precipitation can often be poorly modeled and there could well be more dry weather in the west than this suggests.

GFS 00z, 23rd November, precipitation for 15:00 GMT, Sat 25th November

A frost develops on Saturday night although blustery winds will stop temperatures falling too far. Sunday brings similar weather with wintry showers in the north and west early in the day but dry conditions in the south and east. During the afternoon outbreaks of rain spread into Northern Ireland and parts of western Britain. In Scotland snow is likely.

Cold next week

On Monday an area of low pressure tracks eastwards across Scotland and pushes a band of rain southeastards. As the wet weather clears southwards cold and showery conditions return. The rest of the week is forecast to remain cold and there is a risk of rain, sleet and snow in all regions. Snow is most likely in the north and over high ground.

The chart below shows forecast 850hPa temperatures and surface level pressure for Thursday 30th November. High pressure to the west of the UK is blocking the flow of Atlantic weather systems and allowing cold Arctic air to push down across the UK.

GFS 00z, 23rd November, 850hPa temperatures for 21:00 GMT, Thu 30th November

TWO news

Buzz looks at the likelihood of unsettled weather. TWO's fourth winter discussion update has been issued. The winter forecast covering December, January and February will be issued at the end of this month.

Christmas countdown

TWO's annual Christmas Countdown continues.

16 day GEFS ensembles at a glance

Rather colder conditions last into early December. Thereafter colder and milder outcomes are both shown. View latest GEFS.