Wednesday
A front brings patchy rain through central and southern parts of England this morning. This affects southeastern areas too and will not move away from southern coasts all day. It should become brighter through much of Wales and the Midlands with some sunny spells coming through, the best in the east. Southern Wales always at risk of some drizzle. Breezier in Scotland, Northern Ireland and northern England with some showers in northwest England turning to snow over the highest ground. More persistent showers merging into longer spells of rain in northern and western Scotland, again with some snow on the hills here. Fewer showers to the east. Showers too affecting northern and western coasts of Ireland, but drier to the south and east with sunshine here. Highs at 6 to 8C for most, but 11C in southern England.

Wednesday Night
More persistent rain affects southern and southeastern areas overnight, some of it heavy at times, this probably clearing coasts of Kent towards day break. A band of rain affects Scotland and Ireland, turning showery as it heads east. Breezy in Scotland too with snow on the hills here. Dry elsewhere with clearer skies and a touch of frost. Lows of 0C under those clearer skies, 6C in southern England.

Thursday
High pressure to the southwest of England on Thursday with lower pressure north of Scotland as a brisk west to southwest flow for all. Outbreaks of showery rain in Scotland associated with a cold front, with snow on the hills here. Further showers in northern and western Scotland as well as the north and west of Ireland. One or two showers affecting coasts of northwest England and Wales. Drier and brighter to the east and south with some good spells of sunshine. Windy in Scotland with a risk of gales, lighter winds further south. Highs at 4 to 9C.

Friday
A deep area of low pressure is going to be northwest of Scotland on Friday. This brings storm force winds across Scotland and severe gales for much of Ireland and the west of the UK. Rain in the west will be heavy, this passing eastwards after a drier start across more eastern and southern areas. Certainly a windier day than most of the country has seen for several weeks. Brighter weather with heavy showers follows into Ireland later. Highs at 8 to 10C.