Friday
Low pressure centred across northern regions brings showers to the north & west of Britain & Ireland, merging into locally persistent rain. A zone of frequent showery rain in the far south-east, associated with a cold front over the English Channel, some heavy bursts near coasts of Kent & Sussex. Central & eastern regions will see fewer showers, and occasional sunshine. Variable winds, but often gusty around coasts. Cool, highs just 8 to 11C.

Friday night
Various clusters of showers drift south across the country as northerly winds strengthen in the north & west. Rain most widespread for Wales & the south-west, also north-eastern parts of Scotland & England - where falling as snow over high ground. Local showers may reach the Midlands, but central & southern areas stay mainly dry with light winds and clear spells. Lows 1 to 4C, and sheltered rural spots may dip below freezing.

Saturday
Low pressure over the North Sea produces a cold northerly pattern across Britain & Ireland. Showers for coastal regions in the north, east & far west, locally resulting in frequent rain. Bands of showers reaching the eastern Scottish Highlands and Pennines will fall as snow over the hills. Meanwhile, most inland places inland will stay largely dry with plenty of sunshine. Feeling cold in the wind, highs just 7 to 10C.

Sunday
A cold northerly wind continues. Heavy, squally showers will be frequent around coasts in the east & north-east. Bands of showers also clipping coasts around the Irish Sea, plus Cornwall. Risk of hail and thunder. Snow over the north-eastern Scottish Highlands may set in for many hours. Mainly dry in central & southern Britain, with bright sunshine and very clear air. Highs only 6 to 9C, feeling close to freezing in the wind.