Spring has officially sprung, but the grim weather is to last for a touch longer before temperatures rise.
Scotland experienced a chilly start to Monday morning, as frosty conditions are set to hit parts of the country. However, this will soon develop into milder temperatures as high as 15C in time for the Easter holidays, which start next week.
Later today, rain is set to fall as far as the Northern Isles, while lighter showers will hit northeastern coast lines. Meanwhile, the southwest will also be cloudy before developing into sunny intervals.
While temperatures are set to rise, this wet and windy weather is still expected to continue into April.
As reported by the Mirror, Met Office meteorologist Honor Criswick said: “By Tuesday onwards things are turning milder each day and by Wednesday we could be seeing highs of 13 to 14C, perhaps up to 15C.
“But from Thursday onwards it is wet and windy.”
She added: “It is generally remaining fairly unsettled with showers and longer spells of rain. It is going to be mild at times but wet and windy, so you can’t really appreciate that milder weather.”
And as the warm weather arrives, with the thermometer reaching the mid-teens, the threat of thunderstorms will increase.
Next weekend should bring drier conditions but rain and strong winds are still likely in parts of the south and west. The inconsistent weather will continue in the run-up to Easter, with the north escaping the worst of the rain.
The Met Office said: “A general trend to less unsettled conditions is likely into April, with rain-bearing weather systems more likely to affect southern areas from time to time.”
There was a rather damp welcome for newborn lambs as they explored their new surroundings near Ashford in Kent. But the milder days to come mean they, like us, will be less reliant on those woolly extra layers.
The Met Office's five day UK forecast
Today
A few light wintry showers affecting northeastern coasts dying out early.
Cloudier in the southwest with some showers, although some brighter intervals developing. Cloudy for the Northern Isles too with some rain later. Otherwise, a fine, sunny day for most.
Tonight
Most parts starting dry, although rain or sleet affecting Shetland.
Cloud, rain and strengthening winds reaching western parts after midnight. An early frost in the north and east otherwise mild.
Tuesday
Cloud and rain extending to all parts by midday and becoming windy around coasts
Brighter during the afternoon in some western parts. Temperatures near normal, rather cold in the east.
Outlook for Wednesday to Friday
Generally unsettled and windy at times. Bands of rain moving northeast Wednesday, showery conditions quite widely by Thursday and more prolonged, rain in the south Friday. Although feeling milder.
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