NI weather for week ahead after wall-to-wall sunshine ends

What a difference a week makes. We saw a big change in the weather over the weekend as we bid goodbye to the wall-to-wall sunshine and warmer temperatures we were all enjoying last week.

After a prolonged period of high pressure bringing dry weather and sunny skies, it's all change this week as low pressure returns. The Met Office has warned that we're facing a “mixed bag” this coming week, with a drop in temperatures and rain expected.

Warm weather is expected to make way for downpours and cooler temperatures throughout the week, while snow could fall on mountaintops. The change could be a relief for Northern Ireland's firefighters who have been battling large wildfires amid the recent dry weather.

Met Office spokesman Craig Snell said this week will be a “mixed bag”, adding that after a prolonged dry spell, the rain will be welcome for some, particularly gardeners and farmers.

He said. “It is going to be a more changeable week this week compared to what we have been used to for the last two to three weeks. High pressure has gone away now and we’re just going to be firmly under the influence of low pressure as we go through the week ahead.

“It’s not going to be a complete washout – we will see some further sunnier moments, but most of the UK will see some rain at some point. Compared to the day-on-day blue skies we had last week it is going to feel very different during the week ahead.”

Towards the end of the week and into the long Easter weekend, Mr Snell said it would become a “changeable picture”.

“Some places will see rain, others some sunshine, depending on where you are in the UK on Thursday and Friday one day will be wetter than the other,” he said.

“Not cold by any means, but compared to the first week of the Easter holidays, the second week does look like a bit more of a mixed bag across the UK.”

So if you're heading out and about this week to enjoy the Easter break, here's what to expect:

Today:

A mainly dry morning with some good sunny spells. Scattered showers breaking out by the afternoon, some heavy with the chance of hail and thunder. Light to moderate southerly breeze. Maximum temperature 13°C.

Tonight:

Scattered showers will die out quite quickly this evening and there will be some late sunny intervals followed by clear spells overnight though the Down Coast may be cloudier. Minimum temperature 1°C.

Tuesday:

A dry sunny start then cloud building, though remaining bright, with just the odd light shower, Cloud and rain may reach eastern counties later. Maximum temperature 11°C.

Outlook for Wednesday to Friday:

Perhaps some early rain in the east on Wednesday, otherwise sunny intervals and scattered showers over the next few days. Perhaps some rain later Friday.

UK long range weather forecast: Friday 18 April - Sunday 27 April

Mixed conditions across the UK at the start of this period and the first weekend. Showers or longer spells of rain are likely across many regions, these heavy at times with a risk of hail and thunder, perhaps accompanied by strong winds. Some drier and brighter interludes are also likely at times, but probably with large amounts of cloud.

Temperatures will likely be near normal overall. Into the following week, a similar pattern is likely at first with unsettled conditions at times with a risk of some heavy rain or showers. Later in the week settled weather is expected to become more prevalent, with more in the way of dry, sunny weather developing. Temperatures will probably be around normal or slightly above.

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