UK Seasonal Outlook

First half

The period starts settled but showery spells of rain develop across southern and possibly central regions during the middle part of the first week. Temperatures also begin to drop in the north and the colder air then spreads southwards across all of the UK. Sleet or snow showers are likely, particularly in the east. However, it soon becomes dry in all regions but very cold nights are possible for a time. During the second week a transition to unsettled weather takes place. All regions have showers or longer spells of rain and it may be cold enough for sleet or snow in central and northern areas, particularly over high ground.

Second half

Close to average temperatures are forecast when taken over the period as a whole and in the south during drier spells it may feel quite warm. Mixed weather is expected, with some unsettled spells pushing showers or longer spells of rain across the whole of the country. Despite that drier periods are likely too, particularly later on.

April

Temperature:

Slightly above average.

Precipitation:

Close to or slightly below average.

First half

Often mixed weather with heavy showers or more persistent outbreaks of rain is expected. Temperatures varying significantly with colder and milder than average spells. It may be cold enough at times for showers to turn wintry in the north with sleet or snow over higher ground. Occasional overnight frost is also likely.

Second half

Changeable conditions are favoured but with temperatures over the period as a whole slightly above the seasonal average. As the month progresses there may be an increasing chance of drier and warmer spells of weather developing, particularly in southern and central regions.

May

Temperature:

Above average.

Precipitation

Below average in the north but possibly above average in parts of the south.

First half

The first half of the month is expected to bring warmer than average conditions, with a good deal of dry and increasingly sunny weather. Northern areas may well be less settled and cooler at times with showers or longer spells of rain.

Second half

The second half of the month should see temperatures often continuing above average. There may be a tendency for it to turn less settled with thundery spells of rain for a time, particularly in southern and central regions.