Wednesday
A cold front advancing in from the Atlantic brings a period of rain to Ireland. However, much of Britain stays dry most of the day, with a light southerly breeze, freshening in the west. Occasional sun, but a lot of cloud overall. Local patches of drizzle, then by afternoon, sporadic bursts of showery rain are likely in central & western areas, moving north-eastwards. Highs 14 to 17C west & north, up to 20 or 21C Midlands & south-east.

Wednesday night
Areas of showery rain, locally persistent for a few hours, will continue to move north-eastwards across England into the evening and night. Rain associated with a cold front over Ireland will also spread east & north, extending into Scotland, then west Wales before dawn. Cloudy for most places. A light breeze from the south, strongest around coasts. Generally mild at 10 to 14C, perhaps cooler for Ireland as skies clear before dawn.

Thursday
Scattered outbreaks of rain, often drizzly, but some showery bursts, will move gradually east & north-east during the morning, tending to fade from the west. Largely cloudy, but some sun may break through. A breeze from the south or south-west, strongest near the coasts. Some heavier showers later for Northern Ireland & western Scotland on a freshening southerly breeze. Highs 15 to 21C, warmest in south in any sun by afternoon.

Friday
A ridge of high pressure builds from the south-west, bringing fair weather to much of Britain. Low pressure to the north-west and fronts moving in from the Atlantic threaten rain for Ireland & western Scotland, turning increasingly heavy and persistent, and a south-westerly wind will freshen. For England & Wales, expect a good deal of sunshine once any morning mist or fog clears. Light winds in south. Highs 15 to 20C, warmest in south-east.