Thursday
Thursday is still a breezy day, but much improved from Wednesday. Broken cloud and sunny spells widespread across the UK and Ireland, especially in eastern areas. Showers affect western regions, including Wales and north-west England, persistent during the afternoon in western Scotland. Scattered showers in the English Channel may clip the south-east coast. Clouds thicken from the south-west later, with persistent rain in western Ireland and south-west England by late evening with strengthening winds. Highs 5 to 9C.
Thursday night
Winds strengthen overnight into Friday, with gales in the west. Rain spreads into western Britain and Ireland throughout the evening, becoming heavy and persistent, with gusty winds. Rain spreads east to all parts overnight, although should be clearing the east coast before dawn on Friday. Clearer spells developing for Ireland and south-western Britain, but with heavy showers later in the night. Some snow possible over Highland Scotland. Wind increase to severe gale force in Ireland and western Britain, gusts 60-70mph. Lows 3 to 7C.
Friday
Severe gales affect the UK and Ireland on Friday, widespread gusts 50-60mph. A zone of strongest winds with gusts 70-80mph for central and southern Scotland, Northern Ireland, northern England and north Wales during the morning and early afternoon. Isolated gusts may exceed 90mph over coasts and hills. Frequent showers or longer spells of heavy rain in western regions, turning to snow for higher ground in Cumbria, the north Pennines and Highland Scotland later in the day. Some showers spreading east and also across southern Britain, but eastern regions are drier with some sunny spells. Severe gales continue for central and eastern Scotland and northern England by evening, gusts 70mph+. Highs 3 to 9C north to south.
Saturday
Remaining breezy in the far north, but winds falling considerably for most areas. Icy patches in the north to start the day, with the risk of snow showers over high ground overnight. An area of heavy and persistent rain is expected to affect the south of England in the morning, moving north to affect the Midlands and eastern England in the afternoon and evening. Some locally very heavy rain may add to flooding concerns. Frequent wintry showers in western Scotland. Cloudy but largely dry in the north of England, brighter skies in Scotland. Feeling quite cool, especially beneath the rain. Highs 3 to 7C.