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Issued: 0830 Monday 5th December 2005
Duty forecaster: Simon Keeling

Make the most of the mild...

The coming days see some respite from the recent cold conditions for all parts of the British Isles and Ireland. I've been wondering though, how long will this mild weather last and will we see winter again before Christmas?

Well a study of the charts is suggesting that temperatures may become mild or even very mild during the course of this week as a southwesterly flow develops. Temperatures may get upto 12C in places as the southwest winds drag in mild air from the Atlantic.

However, I think there is a hint of some colder weather returning next week and I've spotted this on this mornings charts. My suspicion is that we'll get some overnight frosts during the course of this weekend as high pressure builds. Where the high moves is critical and at the moment I suspect it may drift northwest of Scotland. This could have the effect of introducing northeast winds, bringing colder weather to all parts of the country.

That's not the full story though because as the high moves west, low pressure may be able to swing southeast. It is this movement which could bring much colder conditions to all places. So, dates for this? Well I reckon we should be looking towards the 14th for our next taste of winter. We'll see 'eh?

Whatever the weather, keep the sun shining!
Simon