A very different feel to the weather this morning and if you have already stepped outdoors then you will soon realise that the balmy tropical air of the last couple of days has been replaced by a cold Arctic air mass. This colder air doesn't hang around for too long though with winds set to back more west or south-westerly by the weekend to draw the milder air back in.

The good news is that following yesterday's active weather when hail, lightning and even a possible tornado were all reported from various parts of the country, today is looking quieter and drier for many. There is a band of cloud and patchy rain clearing southwards across England and Wales first thing this morning otherwise there will be plenty of sunshine around with a scattering of showers peppering coasts exposed to the north/north-west wind. That wind, which will be quite blustery today, will continue to bring showers to exposed areas, the showers heaviest in the north and falling as snow over higher ground, but for most places it will be a dry, bright and breezy afternoon. Temperatures will be much lower than of late, ranging from only 6°C or 7°C in the north to 12°C or 13°C in the south, the wind making it feel colder still.

A chilly night follows although there will be enough in the way of wind to avoid too much in the way of frost for many areas. That wind will continue to blow showers into coastal areas, with perhaps a few making their way further inland at times as the winds begin to back to more of a west/north-westerly direction. The working week then ends on a dry and bright note for many regions with just a few scattered showers as a ridge of high pressure builds in helping the winds to ease a touch too.

METEOROLOGIST: BARBER

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