The latest UK weather forecast points to a changeable few days across the country, with sunshine, scattered showers, and a risk of thunderstorms expected on Wednesday (11 March) before a band of rain and strong winds pushes southwards overnight into Thursday.
According to the Met Office, northern areas of the UK will experience the most unsettled conditions today, while southern regions are likely to stay largely dry until later tonight.
However, forecasters warn that heavier rain and strengthening winds could bring travel disruption and a continued risk of flooding in some areas over the coming days.
The shifting weather pattern is particularly relevant for parts of southern England already dealing with saturated ground and ongoing river flooding.
What does the UK weather forecast say for today?
Forecasters expect a bright but breezy day across much of the UK, with sunshine breaking through cloud in many regions.
However, scattered showers will develop during the day, particularly across the northern parts of Scotland and northern England. Some of these showers may become heavier during the afternoon.
The Met Office says there is also a small risk of hail and isolated thunderstorms in the north, although these will be short-lived and localised.
By late afternoon, clouds will begin to thicken across the far northwest of the UK as the next Atlantic weather system approaches.
What will happen overnight?
Conditions will turn more unsettled overnight as a band of rain and stronger winds develops across the far northwest.
The rain is expected to move slowly southeastwards during the night, reaching parts of northern England by early Thursday morning.
Ahead of the rain band, most areas across central and southern England should remain largely dry overnight, with occasional clear spells and lighter winds.
Temperatures are likely to remain fairly mild overnight, although winds will begin to increase in exposed areas as the weather front approaches.
Thursday weather forecast: Rain and strong winds spread south
Thursday is expected to bring more widespread wet and windy conditions as the weather front continues to move southeast across the country.
Rain and strong winds will spread through northern and central England during the morning, before gradually reaching southern areas later in the day.
Forecasters say there could still be brief sunny intervals ahead of the rain band, but conditions will become increasingly unsettled as it passes.
Behind the rain, brighter spells and scattered showers are expected, particularly in western regions. However, colder air will begin moving into the northern parts of the UK later in the day, making temperatures feel noticeably cooler.
Flood risk for the next five days
The Environment Agency warns that groundwater flooding remains possible across parts of southern England over the next five days.
River flooding may also continue in areas where water levels are already high following recent rainfall.
Some locations particularly affected include parts of Somerset, where low-lying land and river catchments remain vulnerable.
Officials say local surface water flooding is possible on Thursday and Friday, although widespread flooding is not currently expected.
Could travel be affected?
There is a possibility of minor travel disruption if heavier rain develops in affected areas.
Potential impacts include:
- Localised flooding on roads
- Slower traffic during heavy rain
- Possible delays on some rail routes
Drivers are advised to check the weather and travel updates before setting off, especially in regions where rain may arrive suddenly overnight.
Why is the weather changing this week?
Meteorologists say the current conditions are linked to Atlantic weather systems moving across the UK, which often bring rapid shifts between sunshine, showers, and wind during early spring.
March is typically a transitional month for UK weather, when colder northern air masses and milder Atlantic systems frequently interact. This often results in short bursts of unsettled weather followed by brighter conditions.
What happens next?
Looking beyond Thursday, forecasters expect the weather to remain changeable through the rest of the week, with alternating spells of sunshine, showers, and occasional stronger winds.
While no severe nationwide weather warnings have been issued at present, conditions could still lead to local flooding or travel disruption in vulnerable areas.
