After what feels like weeks of grey skies and miserable weather, the Met Office now believes a transformation is finally on the horizon. This week’s dismal conditions were triggered by a high-pressure system dubbed “anticyclonic gloom”, which locks moisture and low cloud close to the surface, resulting in still, overcast days with minimal sunshine.
However, the weather agency says that pattern is poised to collapse over the weekend, with brighter intervals and more changeable weather anticipated to follow. Nevertheless, despite reports suggesting that a “barrage of snow” is poised to batter the UK, the Met Office says the current forecast does not support the notion of a widespread snow event.
“There is no sign of a significant cold spell; temperatures are expected to remain close to average for the time of year,” the Met Office said in a blog post on Friday (October 17), reported The Manchester Evening News.
So, what will this weekend’s shift in weather look like?
The Met Office says the sun may pierce through the persistent clouds on Saturday (October 18).
Forecasts indicate it might feel more cheerful as the high pressure begins to drift slowly into the North Sea.
The Met Office said in a blog post: “By Saturday, the high will begin to migrate slowly eastwards, allowing a weather front to approach from the Atlantic.
“This will bring a change in wind direction and, for many, a return of sunshine as the anticyclonic gloom starts to lift.”However, it is not until Sunday that a more significant change is expected. A low-pressure system in the Atlantic will begin to break through, bringing outbreaks of rain, especially to western parts of the UK.”
Whilst some uncertainty remains regarding the precise timing of this low-pressure system, the Met Office confirms it is “clear” that next week will be “dominated by low pressure”.
“The wettest conditions are likely in the west and south, but all areas can expect some rain,” forecasters stated in a blog post.
“Compared to this week, next week will be much wetter than average, especially in the south and east, which are typically drier at this time of year.”
Beyond next week
Peering further ahead, the Met Office indicates additional changes are approaching towards the close of October.
Weather experts explained: “As we move towards the end of October, model guidance suggests a further transition. By the weekend of the 27th, low pressure is expected to shift eastwards, with higher pressure building to the west.
“This would bring a more north-westerly airflow, cooler temperatures, and a return to showery conditions. However, there is no sign of a significant cold spell; temperatures are expected to remain close to average for the time of year.”