A distinctly autumnal start to the weekend is expected across Britain and Ireland as a Polar Maritime airmass spreads across the country on a brisk west to north-westerly airflow. This cooler, unstable airmass will bring a mixture of sunshine and showers to many regions, heaviest and most frequent towards the north and west where hail and the odd rumble of thunder cannot be ruled out, while southern and eastern areas enjoy longer dry and bright intervals.

Saturday morning starts rather windy with showers affecting Scotland, Northern Ireland and parts of northern England, particularly towards exposed western coasts and hills. Some of the showers will be heavy and squally, accompanied by strong to gale-force gusts of wind in exposed northern areas. Further south and many parts of England and Wales will see a largely dry start with some good spells of sunshine, although a few showers cannot be ruled out. Through the afternoon the showery conditions will continue across the north, while southern and eastern counties of England should enjoy plenty of dry and bright weather with sunny spells. Temperatures will range from around 11°C to 14°C in many places but could reach 15°C or 16°C across southern England, although the brisk wind will make it feel rather chilly.

This evening and tonight sees the showers gradually becoming less widespread, although some will continue around northern and eastern coasts. With clearer skies developing and winds easing across many areas, temperatures will fall quite sharply, widely dropping into single figures. Sunday looks set to be a somewhat quieter and brighter day for much of Britain, with some decent spells of autumn sunshine. However, another Atlantic frontal system will approach from the southwest, bringing increasing cloud and outbreaks of rain into Ireland and western parts of Britain later in the day.

METEOROLOGIST : BARBER

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