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Friday begins with showery outbreaks of rain that are falling as snow over higher ground in places. Through the day sunny spells develop but showers continue and at times they will be wintry.

Maximum temperatures range from 3C (37F) in northern Scotland to 7C (45F) in southern England. Strong winds in the south add to the chilly feel.

Tonight wintry showers continue in coastal counties but inland areas become mostly dry with clear periods develop. A widespread frost develops.

Tomorrow all regions have a mix of sunny spells and wintry showers. It remains cold and quite windy.

On Sunday a change begins to take place as cloud and outbreaks of rain spread southeastwards bringing milder air back into the north and west. Central and eastern England have quite a cold day and it probably remains dry until the late afternoon. 

Mild for much of next week

Early next week high pressure builds from the south. A good deal of dry weather is expected across the southern half of the UK but it remains changeable in the north. In the south it turns increasingly mild but temperatures in northern areas stay closer to average temperatures. The GFS chart below shows the maximum temperature forecast for next Wednesday.

GFS 00z, 15th Dec, maximum temperatures, 15:00 GMT Wed 20th Dec

The approach to Christmas

The second half of next week could see high pressure trying to build farther north and west. That would potentially lead to temperatures taking a dip, especially in the southern and eastern half of the UK. It is uncertain though and a many of the computer simulations show milder air from the Atlantic winning out with the cold being held at bay over the continent.

Forecast tools

Check the latest computer model predictions and rain radar using the links below:

Rain and precipitation type radar

Meteo France Arpege forecast charts

Global Forecast System (GFS) forecast charts

Christmas countdown

TWO's annual Christmas Countdown continues.

16 day GEFS ensembles at a glance

Temperatures climb above average during the next few days. By December 23rd a wide range of outcomes is offered but  there are more mild than cold outcomes being shown. View latest GEFS.