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Monday begins dry and locally gaps in the cloud cover have led to a touch of frost forming. The rest of the day will be mostly dry although isolated showers are likely. A few bright spells develop but there will be a lot of cloud cover.

Maximum temperatures range from 6C (43F) in Scotland to 10C (50F) in the south west. See the rainfall and precipitation type radar for the latest view.

Tonight it becomes windy in the far north and patchy outbreaks of rain develop. Elsewhere it remains dry and in the south and east clear spells could lead to frost in places.

Tomorrow wet and windy weather affects central and northern Scotland. Other areas will be dry and in southern counties there may be more sunshine than today. 

Wet and windy mid week

Through Wednesday low pressure deepens in the Atlantic and tracks northeastwards. Its associated weather fronts push eastwards bringing wet and windy conditions to Northern Ireland and western Britain. The east probably remains dry through the day.

During Thursday the wet weather clears southeastwards and is followed by much colder air from the north. Wintry showers develop in northern regions and become heavy at times with an increasing risk of snow falling to low levels.

The forecast chart below is for 21:00 GMT on Wednesday 6th December. It shows strong winds affecting much of the country with gusts of close to 60mph possible.

GFS 00z, 04 December, wind gusts 21:00GMT Wed 6th December

Cold and wintry the rest of the week

Friday and Saturday are expected to be cold with wintry showers in northern and coastal regions. There is a chance of the showers becoming more widespread and persistent at times, possibly giving accumulations of snow at low levels. By Sunday the showers may be more scattered with most places having a good deal of sunshine.

The forecast chart below shows the risk of snow showers becoming widespread on Friday. However most of them are in the north and around coastal counties.

GFS 00z, 04 December, precipitation 12:00GMT Fri 8th December

A colder winter on the way?

The TWO winter forecast has been issued and suggests a colder and drier than average season. This year it has been particularly difficult to reach a conclusion. Buzz looks at the medium term. TWO's fourth winter discussion update has been issued. The winter forecast covering December, January and February will be issued this week.

Christmas countdown

TWO's annual Christmas Countdown continues.

16 day GEFS ensembles at a glance

After a mild start much colder conditions return by December 8th. Towards the middle of the month a range of outcomes are on offer but most show temperature gradually recovering towards the seasonal norm. View latest GEFS.