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Issued: 1630 Wednesday 1st February 2006
Duty forecaster: Simon Keeling

Could there be a change next week?

I only had 13.3mm of rain during the whole of January here at my weather station in Wombourne, South Staffordshire. A really dry month.

And the high pressure responsible for the dry weather is still firmly in-situ. However, how long will this situation last for, that's the burning question this afternoon?

I'm starting to get signs from the computer models that Tuesday or Wednesday next week, that's the 7th or 8th February, may well see a change to more unsettled conditions. It is likely to stay cold, with the winds turning to the northwest, and wintry showers or rain and sleet could trouble Scotland and parts of Northern Ireland and northern England. I don't think there will be lots of rainfall, and the south may well stay largely dry.

By the end of the week wintry conditions may have spread to all areas, with a chance of snow showers for many. However, this is a long way off as of yet, but it's certainly one worth thinking about.

Keep the sun shining!
Simon