Wednesday
Showery rain on the south coast at dawn will soon clear. Bright skies for central-southern Britain for a few hours, but cloud will thicken as a cold front spreads from the north, bringing scattered showers. Frequent showery rain in the north-west of Britain & Ireland - increasingly wintry over the Highlands. A westerly breeze, strongest in north, where feeling increasingly cold. Highs 12 to 14C south, but only 7 to 9C north.

Wednesday night
Chilly air extends south across the whole country overnight. Wintry showers will be frequent in the north-west, with snow falling to increasingly low levels across western Scotland. Some hail and thunder possible around coasts in the north-west. A few showers for the south-west of England & Wales. Largely dry in central, east & north-eastern Britain. A brisk westerly wind should prevent a frost. Lows 1 to 3C north, 4 to 7C south.

Thursday
A strong and cold westerly wind. Squally showers will be widespread - most frequent around coasts in the west & south, locally merging into longer periods of rain. Expect heavy bursts, with hail, plus isolated thunder and lightning, mainly in the north-west. Snow over the hills, falling to low levels in the Scottish Highlands. Brief sunshine. Temperatures 5 to 10C from north to south, but feeling closer to freezing in the wind.

Friday
A chilly day for all. Squally showers around coasts in the west & south - locally frequent and heavy, with hail and possible thunder. Some showers spreading well inland. Snow over the hills in the north. Generally drier for central & eastern Britain. Frost and ice in the morning in sheltered areas. Daytime highs 5 to 9C, but feeling colder in the wind.