The Easter bank holiday weekend will be a mixture of sunshine and showers on the weather front, forecasters have said.
As most of us look forward to the long weekend, the weather is set to be changeable, with rain at times but also some good sunny spells. It'll certainly be in contrast to the wall-to-wall sunshine we experienced last weekend.
Weather warnings have been issued for two specific areas of Northern Ireland with forecasters expecting "possible" flooding of homes and businesses.
A warning for a "prolonged spell" of rain is in place from 2pm on Friday through to 3pm on Saturday. The warning is in place for two specific areas - much of the Glens area in Co Antrim, and a swathe of land taking in Newcastle, Kilkeel and Warrenpoint in Co Down.
Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist Steven Keates said: “The Easter weekend is set to bring changeable weather for many. Some areas may experience near dry conditions all weekend, whilst others may see heavy rain.
“We are keeping a close eye on an area of low pressure which sinks away to the south on Friday. This could bring with it some heavy, and possibly even disruptive rain for parts of southwest England, and also parts of Northern Ireland and south Wales. This will bring the potential for some difficult travelling conditions, with a lot of spray on the roads, and it’s important people keep an eye on our forecast as things evolve over the coming day or so.”
He continued: “The low will pull away to the south on Saturday, although the speed and time of the clearance is rather uncertain at the moment. Some rain may linger across parts of the west/southwest but elsewhere, many parts will enjoy some sunny spells, with light winds and temperatures around average.
“Easter Sunday looks to be the widely drier day of the weekend. Cloud amounts will vary, but most places should see some bright or sunny spells at times. Parts of the far south and west may remain cloudier with a few showers around. Temperatures look generally close to the seasonal average.
“Things probably turn a little more unsettled again on Monday, with outbreaks of rain/showers in the south and west, tending to spread northwards and perhaps becoming heavy at times, though there is currently a lot of uncertainty in the details.
This is what we can expect in Belfast this weekend:
Today:
It will be cloudy with outbreaks of rain, the rain heavy and persistent at times over the hills. Feeling chilly in the fresh to strong east or northeast winds. Maximum temperature 10°C.
Tonight:
Cloudy with outbreaks of rain, still heavy and persistent at times over the hills. A few drier spells developing overnight and the easterly winds fresh to strong around the coast. Minimum temperature 8°C.
Saturday:
The rain turning light and patchy and mainly affecting the hills. Occasional drier spells but remaining rather dull. Chilly easterly winds. Maximum temperature 10°C.
Outlook for Sunday to Tuesday:
Patchy rain clearing on Sunday, becoming mainly dry and brightening up. Mostly cloudy on Monday and Tuesday, patchy light rain at times.
UK long range weather forecast: Tuesday 22 April - Thursday 1 May
Many areas probably starting this period on a rather showery note, with central and southern parts of the UK more likely to see the heaviest and most frequent showers. These will likely be quite slow-moving with the chance of thunder in places. With time, high pressure is expected to become more dominant across the UK, but the shower risk may persist, more likely further to the south, at least towards the end of April.
Given often light winds and for some, a fair amount of sunshine, it should feel pleasantly warm by day, though areas subject to onshore winds and perhaps also most cloud, especially North Sea coasts, may remain somewhat cooler. Some chilly nights remain likely, especially where skies are clear.
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