BBC Weather Monthly Outlook...

[Stuart]

A fine week ahead, but becoming increasingly cool and unsettled for the rest of the month.

Finally our weather has settled down! The Azores high, so critical to bringing us summer sunshine, has now fully extended across the UK and is set to hold steady in the near future.

As such we can finally expect average August conditions in the week ahead - day time highs around 18-22C, overnight lows of 10-13C and around six hours of sunshine a day.

However, will it last until Michaelmas Day, September 29th? This is traditionally the feast day of Saint Michael celebrating the end of the harvest season and the crops being home and dry. Looking at the forecast they may well make it to the barn but are likely to be rather damp when they get there!

Tuesday 28th August to Sunday 2nd September 2007

“Dry, settled and largely sunny.”

High pressure, centred to the west of the UK, will dominate the weather in the week ahead. It will bring extensive dry conditions and long spells of sunshine.

However, a few weather fronts will skirt around the northern flank of the high to brush Scotland and Northern Ireland. Hence there will be more cloud and perhaps a little light rain at times.

Tuesday looks set to be the wettest day, with the rain focused on Scotland. Northern Ireland may well face overcast skies for the best part of the week.

Daytime temperatures will fare reasonably in the sunshine. Overnight figures may however dip a little below average thanks to clear skies. Scotland looks particularly chilly for some nights, even with the chance of a ground frost in sheltered eastern areas.

Monday 3rd September to Sunday 9th September 2007

“Remaining dry in the south, more unsettled in the north.”

The Azores high is expected to continue extending a ridge across the southern UK this week holding fine weather in place. However, weather systems will progressively make inroads from the west across the north bringing wet and windy conditions at times.

Temperatures look set to dip a little below average this week - especially overnight with some chilly prospects under the clear skies across the Midlands and southeast England.

Monday 10th September to Sunday 23rd September 2007

“Increasingly Autumnal.”

With the Azores high forecast to slip further southwards during this period, it is set to become much more unsettled across all parts of the UK with spells of wet and windy weather.

Jumpers at the ready or will the flip-flops get a final fling to end the summer? More detail next week…

http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/ukweather/monthly_outlook.shtml

[Stuart]

A reasonably fine fortnight ahead, but markedly cooler and more unsettled conditions to follow.Autumn is now upon us. Looking back over Summer 2007 for many it may be goodbye and good riddance! The statistics for the last three months are now in - and for many parts of the UK it has been the wettest summer on record.

Fortunately the prospects to start Autumn do look rather better at the moment, with a lot of dry and settled weather… well at least for the next two weeks!

The average September typically brings us daytime highs around 16-19C, overnight lows of 9-11C (although night frosts become a distinct possibility as the month wears on) around five hours of sunshine a day, and 60-80mm of rain.

Monday 3rd September to Sunday 9th September 2007

“Dry and settled.”

High pressure will dominate the weather across the UK this week. It will bring plenty of dry weather and hopefully a fair amount of Autumn sunshine.

However, a few weather fronts will skirt around the northern flank of the high to brush Scotland and Northern Ireland. Hence there will be more cloud and perhaps a little light rain at times.

The risk will diminish as the week wears on, as our high will tend to fill with more cloud. The cloud may even be thick enough to give some rain for Northern Ireland and western Scotland on Wednesday and Thursday.

Initially it will feel cooler than of late, but temperatures will generally be around average. The sun still has enough strength in it at this time of the year that hopefully there will be some rather warm spells too, particularly later in the week.

Monday 10th September to Sunday 16th September 2007

“Staying largely settled.”

The Azores high looks set to hold steady across the UK this week.

For England and Wales this will mean more dry weather with some warm sunshine.

The outlook for Scotland and Northern Ireland may be more mixed. Frontal systems will skirt to the north of the high at times bringing in cloud and possibly even some appreciable rain to northern and western exposures of Scotland.

Monday 17th September to Sunday 30th September 2007

“Increasingly changeable.”

The Azores high is set to break down during this period. This will open us up to a westerly flow from the Atlantic and see a return of wetter and windier conditions. It is also likely to be rather cool.

Any sign of an Indian Summer this September? More on our chances next week…

http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/ukweather/monthly_outlook.shtml

[Stuart]

Very little rain across the south, but a change in the north to more unsettled conditions.

Typically, the weather has cheered up just as most children have returned to school. Many people are wondering why we didn't have this sort of weather a few months ago. Again it is all due the pressure pattern and the jet stream (and nothing to do with school governors).

High pressure looks set to remain across many southern areas, so rainfall will be a rarity. Things will change in northern areas after this week as the jet stream steers across areas of low pressure and rain.

The average mid-September typically brings us daytime highs of around 16-19C, overnight lows of 8-10C - although nightime frosts become a distinct possibility as we head to October.

Monday 10th September to Sunday 16th September 2007

“Dry and settled.”

A very weak front will move south overnight into Monday morning, bringing a little rain. Cooler, fresher air will then follow to all areas on Monday with a brisk northwest wind but more sunshine.

With clear skies and lighter winds on Monday night it will be much colder than of late. Temperatures in central areas may fall as low as 3 Celsius (39F).

The nights that follow will not be as cold. High pressure looks likely to drift across from the Atlantic to re-establish itself across most of the UK for the rest of the week but will gradually fill in with cloud.

England and Wales should be largely sunny on Tuesday but cloud will move into Scotland and Northern Ireland then spread to other areas by midweek.

As a result of the cloud, temperatures will be near or just above average for all but northern Scotland.

Late Thursday, another front will push rain into Scotland. The rain band will die out as it moves south across the rest of the UK on Friday with a cooler northerly for the weekend.

Monday 17th September to Sunday 23rd September 2007

“Windier and unsettled in the north.”

The Azores high is expected to hold steady across the UK this week.

For Wales and central and southern England this will mean more dry weather will some warm sunshine at times.

The outlook for northern England, Scotland and Northern Ireland may be more mixed. Frontal systems will run across the north of the high at times and bring rain and stronger winds.

Monday 24th September to Sunday 7th October 2007

“High pressure in the south, rain in the north.”

Pressure is expected to remain high in the south. More rain is expected in the north with lower pressure and stronger winds. Temperatures should be near average.

How long will the quiet Autumn in southern areas continue. More next week…

http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/ukweather/monthly_outlook.shtml

[Stuart]

Rather breezy and showery, a quieter spell to end September - increasingly unsettled in early October.

After a very quiet first half of September, the remainder of the month will become more unsettled. However, despite the promise of some cooler and wetter weather on the way for all of us, this September is likely to be drier and warmer than average.

During a typical late September or early October we can expect daytime highs of 12-14C across the northern half of the UK and 15-17C in the south. The risk of night frost increases also, especially in Scotland and Northern England when it becomes an almost nightly occurrence in October.

The shortening days of Autumn mean we become rationed to just over three hours of sunshine a day.

Monday 17 September 2007 to Sunday 23 September 2007

“Cooler and increasingly unsettled.”

Last week we saw temperatures in the high teens or low twenties across much of the UK. This will certainly serve to make the start of this week a shock to the system as figures fall to below average values and we pick up a northerly wind. Monday will also bring showers to most parts although southern England and Wales may stay largely dry.

Monday night will see the showers fading thanks to a transient ridge of high pressure. Under clear skies it will be a chilly night with a risk of patchy frost in the north. The clear skies bode well for Tuesday which is likely to be the driest and sunniest day this week.

The remainder of the week will be increasingly influenced by low pressure. A band of rain will sweep from north to south on Wednesday, however southern England is likely to stay dry until after dark.

This front will then clear from southern UK on Thursday to be followed by breezy conditions and mixture of sunny spells and showers.

Monday 24 September 2007 to Sunday 30 September 2007

“High pressure in the south, unsettled in the north.”

The Azores high is forecast to build back into the south this week bringing more settled conditions. Low pressure will continue to influence Scotland, Northern Ireland and northern England.

Overall this pressure pattern should result in a westerly or southwesterly airflow across the UK, making for some mild or even warm days to end September.

Monday 01 October 2007 to Sunday 14 October 2007

“Increasingly unsettled once again.”

Low pressure looks likely to be a dominant feature in the weather for this period. Wet and windy spells are possible but sandwiched between we should still see some rather warm and sunny days.

As the leaves turn and the nights draw in - what else will our autumn weather bring? More details next week.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/ukweather/monthly_outlook.shtml

[Michael Winston]

The shortening days of Autumn mean we become rationed to just over three hours of sunshine a day.

Eh? I'm puzzled. What does this mean exactly? Can anyone enlighten me?

Kind regards,

Mike.

Edited September 17, 2007 by Winston

[Stuart]

A cool end to September followed by milder weather. Becoming more unsettled as October progresses.

The Autumn Equinox is usually accompanied by a change from the settled conditions of summer to the more changeable, often windy conditions of autumn. You may well have wondered about our spring and summer but there is no doubt now that autumn has arrived.

The recent run of mild days have ceased and early morning frosts which have not been a feature during recent weeks, may well catch out the unwary gardener. Daytime maxima have been a few degrees above the seasonal average of late but that trend is set to end shortly.

Monday 24th September 2007 to Sunday 30th September 2007

“Unsettled weather to all areas.”

A vigorous low to the south of Iceland brings a spell of very unsettled conditions to all parts of the British Isles. Active fronts provide very wet weather with up to 40mm possible in both SW Scotland and central southern England. Winds may gust to 50kts (55-60mph) along the south coast of England.

Once the fronts have passed, the early part of the week will be dominated by a strong to near gale force, north to north-westerly wind, bringing showers and a much cooler feel to the weather.

By the middle of the week, showers remain confined to the Southeast and East Anglia with high pressure building from the west. As the skies clear, night frosts become more prevalent with an additional risk of fog patches.

High pressure dominates until the end of the week, bringing a good deal of sunshine, particularly to the north of the British Isles.

Monday 1st October 2007 to Sunday 7th October 2007

“High pressure continues in south, unsettled in the north.”

Fine daytime weather accompanied by chilly nights may well continue in southern Britain. This will allow above-average amounts of sunshine. Some areas, including Northern Ireland and southern Scotland, could enjoy above-average temperatures. Colder conditions persist in eastern areas of both England and Scotland.

Low pressure will eventually arrive and bring rain into parts of Scotland. Sunshine amounts and temperatures across the north will be reduced. Rainfall quantities will be below the average.

Monday 8th October 2007 to Sunday 21st October 2007

“More unsettled and windier weather for all”

The transition of low pressure across all parts of the British Isles brings an end to any fine, settled weather. Above-average rainfall totals are likely but the compensating factor is a rise in both day and night time temperatures. Some areas may experience very windy conditions.

Will the weather haunt us for Halloween? Find out more next week.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/ukweather/monthly_outlook.shtml

[Stuart]

An unsettled outlook for much of October with spells of wet and windy weather. Temperatures will be close to normal, for the time of year.

After the wet summer, last month was relatively dry, although quite chilly at times too. Now, the colours in the countryside are already turning to autumnal hues.

What a contrast to last autumn, which was so warm and dry that it seemed like the long hot summer would continue until the end of the year.

With plenty of wind and rain expected in the coming weeks, the leaves will soon cascade off the trees. All-in-all, a fairly typical October seems likely.

Monday 1st October 2007 to Sunday 7th October 2007

“Rain spreading from the west.”

High pressure, which gave many of us a quiet, dry weekend - will slowly slip eastwards. This will allow low pressure to creep in from the west, increasing the prospect of rain. Although this transition could well be quite slow and erratic.

Any early dampness across southern England will ease off and the first half of the week should bring plenty of dry weather. In the sunshine, temperatures will reach the mid-teens. However, with light winds, some patches of fog may linger into the day, making for a cooler feel. Frost seems unlikely though.

From Wednesday onwards, low pressure begins to take control. Rain will arrive from the west, initially affecting Northern Ireland. But by Friday most of us will have had some rain and some freshening winds.

The weekend weather may become settled - but further rain is expected to arrive in the northwest.

Monday 8th October 2007 to Sunday 14th October 2007

“More rain at times, but temperatures above average.

Low pressure to the northwest of the UK will bring spells of rain. Scotland and Northern Ireland will see the wettest weather - the best of the sunshine will be in southern and eastern England.

Southwesterly winds should ensure that conditions stay predominantly mild, with little chance of frost. It will turn misty, though, where winds fall light overnight.

Monday 15th October 2007 to Sunday 28th October 2007

“Staying unsettled, breezy, but often mild.”

Don't expect too many surprises through the second half of the month. A similar pressure pattern will continue the unsettled weather theme. Northwestern areas of the UK are again likely to see most of the wind and rain.

It should remain mild, with infrequent overnight frosts.

Will the mild weather continue into November? Find out more next week.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/ukweather/monthly_outlook.shtml

[Stuart]

Monthly Summary

Generally dry and settled with above average temperatures.

October began with mostly mild and dry weather. This theme looks set to continue throughout the rest of the month.

Trees have started shedding their leaves and with strong winds at times over northern areas this process will be accelerated. However, if the mild weather continues, the lawn may also need a final cut.

The nights greatly draw in by the end of the month and turning our clocks back may well coincide with a change to more unsettled weather.

Monday 8th October 2007 to Sunday 14th October 2007

“Largely dry and mild in the south. More changeable in the north.”

Conditions start off generally dry and settled for much of the UK.

Pressure remains high across southern areas but if rain does fall here, it is most likely to be on Tuesday, but even then there will not be much at all. Mild Atlantic air is expected later in the week, which could lift the temperature to 20C (68F) if any sunshine arrives, but the average maximum temperature in the south will be around 16C (61F).

The weather looks changeable over northern parts of the UK as areas of low pressure run close to northern Scotland. Tuesday looks like being the wettest day and it could bring 10-15mm of rain in many places. A mild Atlantic influence throughout the rest of the week will deliver a lot of cloud.

Most of any rain will fall over western Scotland and although much of the week will be dry elsewhere, clear skies in the northeast on Sunday night and Tuesday night signal the threat of frost.

Monday 15th October 2007 to Sunday 21st October 2007

“Little change in the weather pattern.

Generally dry under the influence of high pressure with rainfall well-below average in all areas. Typical amounts of sunshine can be expected but there is a risk of mist and fog. Average temperatures are forecast in western areas.

It may be cooler in the east, especially in the southeast - where some cold nights are anticipated.

Monday 22nd October 2007 to Sunday 4th November 2007

“Rain in the air.”

Becoming more unsettled as the high pressure area declines. Above average temperatures, stronger winds and rainfall are forecast for most areas.

Should we expect wet weather for Guy Fawkes on the 5th November? Find out next week.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/ukweather/monthly_outlook.shtml

[Stuart]

Quiet autumn weather predominating for the rest of this month, with little sign of any major change into early November.

High pressure has been keeping the weather quite settled for most of us recently, with wet and windy days a rare event.

Unfortunately, sunshine has also been a rarity as the high pressure system has tended to fill up with cloud, giving us the condition known to forecasters as "anticyclonic gloom". At least the blanket of cloud has kept overnight temperatures well up into the mild category.

It looks like a similar pattern will be maintained over the next few weeks, with high pressure dominating the scene and only occasionally giving way to Atlantic weather systems pushing in from the west.

Monday 15 October 2007 to Sunday 21 October 2007

“Welcome change to sunnier skies, but some chilly nights.”

The week starts with a change of type. A fairly deep area of low pressure will run across to the north of Scotland during Monday, picking up the breeze and gradually pushing a weather front southwards across all areas. Much clearer conditions will follow to northern parts, but the front will tend to get stuck for a time in the south.

This brings the threat of a wet day to many southern areas on Tuesday, but from roughly the north Midlands northwards it will be mostly dry with sunny spells and a brisk westerly breeze. Temperatures here will be back down to the mid-October average and it will feel a lot cooler than recently.

High pressure then builds across to bring, fine settled weather from Wednesday onwards. Bright sunshine will make a welcome return, but clear skies and light winds will mean much colder nights with a risk of frost.

Monday 22 October 2007 to Sunday 28 October 2007

“High pressure slipping away, as weather systems edge in from the west.”

High pressure begins to drift away eastwards, opening the door to Atlantic weather systems. Freshening winds are expected to push cloud and rain in from the west during Monday and Tuesday.

Westerly winds are then likely to dominate for the rest of the week, with temperatures on the mild side and frosts becoming less likely. Most places will see a mix of sunny spells and occasional spells of rain, with heaviest rain most likely in the northwest.

Monday 29 October 2007 to Sunday 11 November 2007

“Drier but colder in the south.”

High pressure begins to dominate again in the south, giving scope for sunnier days but colder nights. Any wetter and windier weather is more likely in the north, especially across Scotland.

Will the shorter days of November be brightened by sunshine, or by snow? Find out next week.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/ukweather/monthly_outlook.shtml

[Stuart]

High pressure brings dry, cool and settled weather to late October, early November looks more unsettled.

The twentieth anniversary of The Great Storm has just past and serves as a reminder of how tempestuous this time of year can be. Such devastation is nothing new, the previous Great Storm of 1703 claimed many lives.

At the other extreme, autumn can be the season of frost and fog, where still, clear nights prevail. Days can be overcast and rather murky or gin-clear with glorious sunshine.

Recently, daytime temperatures have been around the seasonal average or just above. Many areas have yet to experience a hard frost this season, despite the recent dip in night temperatures across England and Wales.

Monday 22nd October 2007 to Sunday 28th October 2007

“Little change across the British Isles.”

A ridge of high pressure continues to dominate across much of England and Wales with only weak frontal systems around the periphery. The weather across Scotland and Northern Ireland will see fronts trying to cross all parts at some point during this period.

Much of England and Wales stay mainly dry with rainfall totals well below what is expected for this time of year. Even in Scotland, where Atlantic frontal systems, will make some impact, rainfall amounts will be below average.

Temperatures have been close to average of late and are likely to remain so unless cloud persists, particularly in the south-east of England mid-period, when it will be colder than the seasonal norm.

Average or even below average sunshine amounts are likely for many parts of the British Isles. The Midlands, southern and south-eastern England may fair better than most but some particularly cloudy spells can be expected.

Monday 29th October 2007 to Sunday 4th November 2007

“Temperatures climb as winds sway to the west.”

A southerly flow may persist for a time over southern parts of the British Isles but the predominant flow will eventually be a mild, moist westerly from the Atlantic. By comparison to Week 1, temperatures will climb to at least the seasonal average. In some areas, notably Scotland, Northern Ireland and parts of eastern England, temperatures may well rise above the seasonal norms of 14C in the south and 11C in the north.

The period should be marked by average amounts of sunshine in northern and western Britain and below average for all other areas. It will be the mild, westerly flow rather than sunshine that will lift temperatures.

Monday 5th to Sunday 18th November 2007

“Westerly winds continue to dominate.”

A mild westerly will keep much of Britain's temperatures close to the seasonal averages. Southeasterlies across parts of southern Britain may cool things for a time. This flow may also limit East Anglia's sunshine amounts. Rainfall be close to the average for all areas.

When will the first real signs of winter arrive? Find out next week!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/ukweather/monthly_outlook.shtml

[Stuart]

Wet and windy for Scotland and Northern Ireland. More settled for England and Wales.

As October comes to a close, with the clocks falling back, the average daily dose of sunshine for this time of year is only two and half hours.

However, so far this Autumn, fair weather with some sunshine has tended to dominate and the next few weeks look set to continue this trend, particularly in the south.

After below average rainfall totals for most areas in September, the final figures for October are likely to show a continued deficit - with the week ahead looking particularly dry (if not always bright).

With the shorter days, mid-November will tend to be bring highs of just 9 or 10 Celsius (around 50F) during the daytime. Our November nightly lows sit around freezing across the northern half of the UK and at 3 or 4 Celsius (around 40F) for south Wales and southern England.

Monday 29th October 2007 to Sunday 4th November 2007

“Becoming settled and very mild.”

An area of low pressure to the north of the UK, will bring a showery westerly airstream to start the week. Western areas will catch the bulk of the showers, elsewhere there will be lot of dry weather with sunny spells on Monday. It will perhaps feel a little cooler than of late, despite the sunshine.

For the remainder of the week low pressure steers wet and windy weather across Scotland, but elsewhere high pressure will dominate bringing increasingly settled weather.

At this time of year, high pressure typically brings some chilly conditions. The approaching high pressure of this week, however, brings with it a lot of very warm and humid air.

Consequently the weather associated with it will be dry, perhaps rather cloudy, but unusually mild and warm for the time of year. Daytime temperatures are forecast to reach the high teens before the week is out.

Monday 5th November 2007 to Sunday 11th November 2007

“Remaining unsettled in the north, mainly dry in the south.”

Low pressure dominates again to the north of the UK. However, this week looks set to extend its influence bringing wet and windy conditions to Northern Ireland as well as Scotland.

High pressure continues in the south where a lot of dry weather is expected. There will also be an increased risk of frost.

Monday 12th to Sunday 25th November 2007

“Little change - showery in the north, settled to the south.”

The general UK pressure pattern shows little sign of change this week. High pressure will hold steady in the south, further unsettled conditions are predicted to the north.

What does the weather have in store for bonfire night? Find out next week!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/ukweather/monthly_outlook.shtml

[Stuart]

not sure why the Monthly Outlook not update yet

[Vince]

not sure why the Monthly Outlook not update yet http://nwstatic.co.uk/forum/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/laugh.gif

i tell you why ............................coz its a cold outlook mate http://nwstatic.co.uk/forum/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/laugh.gif and they

brick it when its looking cold in this country

[The Penguin]

Maybe their computer froze?

[Stuart]

Mixture of autumnal and early winter conditions.

After the dramatic events of last week, the initial part of the forthcoming period looks remarkably tranquil. There should certainly be no sign of gusts in excess of 100mph nor the combination of vigorous low, gale force northerly winds and high tides that brought such concern to East Anglia and Kent.

This coming period marks the official transition from autumn to winter. Whether the forecast follows the seasonal script is another matter! Last week's northerly winds brought some significant snowfall to the hills of northeast Scotland and encouraged some to announce a premature end to autumn.

That particular episode was short-lived and it wasn't long before we returned to temperatures closer to the seasonal norm.

Daytime temperatures should range from 7-8C in northern Britain to 9-10C along the south coast. Night values can fluctuate wildly depending on the amount of cloud cover and wind strength, but 2-4C in the north and 4-6C in the south are average.

Tuesday 13th November 2007 to Monday 19th November 2007

“Cool feel this week and a weekend cold snap to come”

High pressure is never far away from the southwest of the British Isles but it will not exert enough influence to keep frontal systems at bay. Weak frontal systems will affect both the east and west of the British Isles this week, with little change until late on Friday, when a deep low in the Norwegian Sea brings a cold front to all areas.

It is this feature that marks the transition from a week where daytime maxima are close to or just above the seasonal average whilst some of the nights towards the end of the week may bring an increased risk of fog.

The proximity of fronts will not do much for sunshine amounts, which will be disappointing in many areas. Rainfall amounts, however, should not give rise for concern as fronts will be relatively weak.

Tuesday 20th November 2007 to Monday 26th November 2007

“Wet weather for many but above average sunshine too”

Pressure is forecast to remain low in the north of the British Isles but higher over Europe and the western Mediterranean. This will help to maintain a mobile, westerly flow. Moist westerlies will keep rainfall totals at or above average, particularly in the Midlands, Northern Ireland and eastern Scotland.

However, it's not all doom and gloom. Temperatures will be above average in southwest England, south Wales and southwest Scotland. Sunshine amounts will also be above average in Scotland and northeast England.

Monday 27th November to Monday 10th December 2007

“Southwesterly flow brings a mild end to a mild autumn”

Apart from in Scotland, temperatures should stay well above the seasonal average as winds head towards the southwest. Rainfall may well be above average too, particularly so in western parts. Sunshine may be at its most abundant in Scotland.

How is the weather looking for the run up to Christmas? Check next week's Monthly Outlook to learn more.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/ukweather/monthly_outlook.shtml

[Stuart]

Areas of low pressure sweeping the UK will mean frequent wet and windy conditions, possibly minimising frosts.

Autumn 2007 was shaping up to be one of the driest on record for England and Wales. Generally it had also been fairly mild, until Sunday's weather arrived, probably resulting in a shock to the system for some, specially those in the Midlands and Wales - where rain turned into to big flakes of snow.

Although only a brief taste of Winter, it is sure to have had a knock on effect on those potentially record breaking statistics.

Late November/early December typically bring us daytime temperatures of 7-8C in northern Britain and 9-10C along the south coast. Overnight minima are dramatically altered by cloud cover and wind strength, but the numbers average out around freezing in the north and at 1-3C in the south.

Monday 19th November 2007 to Sunday 25th November 2007

“Unsettled and cold at first.”

The same area of low pressure responsible for Sunday's downpours and snow will continue to dominate our weather for the first half of this week. However, milder air within in the low should largely eliminate the snow element.

It may not necessarily feel warmer, the low centre will move to the southwest of the UK and leave Scotland and Northern Ireland with a raw easterly wind. Eastern Scotland is in line for some heavy and persistent rain to start the week and downpours are forecast for central and eastern England on Tuesday.

Elsewhere may escape with a mixture of showers and some drier and brighter spells. England and Wales should feel milder thanks to a lighter wind.

The second half of the week offers quieter prospects. High pressure is set to make a return on Thursday and Friday. However, the drier days with light winds and sunny spells will also be accompanied by the return of overnight frosts and some patchy fog.

Monday 26th November 2007 to Sunday 2nd December 2007

“Staying unsettled.”

Areas of low pressure are forecast to continue over or to the north of the UK this week. This means wet and windy spells are likely to affect all areas at some stage. Average rainfall totals are expected but some decent drier interludes are also likely.

The generally unsettled pattern continues and temperatures should be average or just above.

Monday 3rd December to Sunday 16th December 2007

“Little change.”

Our weather pattern looks set to remain unsettled with areas of low pressure rolling across the UK. There is some indication that the presence of colder air at times may bring below average temperatures.

Will the unsettled spell continue? Check next week's Monthly Outlook to learn more.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/ukweather/monthly_outlook.shtml

[Stuart]

Mild and unsettled with rain and strong winds at times.

Over the last week it seems like Winter has arrived. There were widespread frosts on Thursday and Friday night. Early on Saturday morning the temperature was down to minus 6 Celsius (21 Fahrenheit) in Oxfordshire.

The Met Office defines the Winter period as December, January and February; although it is recognised that winter weather can extend beyond this period especially in northern Britain.

Last Winter was the second warmest on record for the UK, and rainfall was well above average. This year the Met Office is predicting that mean temperatures are more likely to be above average, though temperatures are likely to be lower than those of last year. There is a faint signal for an increasing likelihood of cold spells in early Winter. In addition, rainfall is most likely to be near or above average.

Watch this space for further updates.

Monday 26 November 2007 to Sunday 02 December 2007

“Turning milder but more unsettled.”

The wedge of cold air is still sitting over most of the UK but over the next two days milder Atlantic air will push east.

On Tuesday all areas should be in the mild, cloudy and damp conditions. A band of rain will push south over Scotland and Northern Ireland.

On Wednesday the rain band will move erratically south to clear southern England on Wednesday night. There is the risk of a touch of frost on Thursday morning as skies clear and winds drop. Thursday should then be dry for most of the day before a stronger wind brings rain into the west later.

The end of the week and the weekend looks wet, with showers or longer spells of rain spreading in on strong to gale force westerly winds. Cooler weather may arrive later in the weekend with showers turning wintry over Scottish hills.

Monday 03 December 2007 to Sunday 09 December 2007

“Unsettled and sometimes windy.”

Areas of low pressure will pass over or to the north of the UK and maintain a strong Atlantic flow. This will give generally unsettled and sometimes windy weather. Showers or longer spells of rain are likely, interspersed with some dry and brighter intervals.

Temperatures should be near average, though there will be swings between cooler and milder conditions. Rainfall should be above or well above average with sunshine near average.

Monday 10 December 2007 to Sunday 23 December 2007

“Staying unsettled.”

Lower pressure in the north means it will stay unsettled and often windy with showers or longer spells of rain. With southwest winds prevailing, temperatures should be generally above average. However rainfall amounts will also be above average.

Christmas is coming …. Christmas card weather or mild and wet?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/ukweather/monthly_outlook.shtml

[damianslaw]

Would appear from my quick scan of the forecast, that all they seem to state are the words mild and wet... I have decided I am not going to read their forecasts from now on as they seem to get it wrong so many times. Too many times to give it any credence.

[Stuart]

Wet and windy for the first two weeks then settling down.

As Autumn has come to an end, provisional figures from the Met Office show that the season is on course to be one of the driest on record across the UK. One of the main themes of the weather this Autumn was the higher frequency of dry and settled conditions, often with fog and frost.

The UK-wide rainfall record dates back to 1914 and the driest Autumn was 1922. This Autumn is currently the driest across the UK since 1972.

Despite some sharp frosts during November, the provisional mean UK-wide temperature for Autumn is 10.1C, around 1C above the long term average.

As Winter has started, the weather has suddenly turned to a more mobile westerly type bring heavy rain and strong winds. A gust of 70mph was reported along the English Channel coast on Sunday.

Monday 3rd December 2007 to Sunday 9th December 2007

“Spells of wet and very windy weather.”

Frost risk in the north early on Monday, otherwise a bright and breezy day with sunny spells and a few showers.

There may be an early frost on Monday night before strong winds blow cloudy but very mild weather across the whole country on Tuesday. Temperatures will be widely up to 15C.

Some rain expected, mostly in Scotland and Northern Ireland. This rain will spread over England and Wales on Wednesday with blustery showers following.

Remaining windy overnight into Thursday with another dose of rain spreading to all areas from the Atlantic. Sunshine and blustery showers will follow on Friday but more rain and strong winds are expected during the weekend.

Monday 10th December 2007 to Sunday 16th December 2007

“Remaining very unsettled.”

Low pressure will pass towards the north of the UK at times and maintain the wet and very windy theme. Temperatures will fluctuate with some colder days punctuating the wet days.

Temperatures will be well below average in the north and west of Scotland. Rainfall will be near or above average in all areas.

Monday 17th December 2007 to Sunday 30th December 2007

“More settled conditions develop.”

High pressure is expected to build from the south across most of the UK bringing a return to settled weather.

Temperatures should be below average in southern England and the Midlands. Rainfall will be below average and sunshine near or above average.

Will the settled spell continue into the New Year? Find out more next week.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/ukweather/monthly_outlook.shtml

[Potent Gust]

Let's hope the temps are below average from mid month. But I have my doubts.

[PubliusEnigma]

Alas, the kiss of death for a white christmas

http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/ukweather/monthly_outlook.shtml

[PersianPaladin]

Alas, the kiss of death for a white christmas

http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/ukweather/monthly_outlook.shtml

Aww bless...its little John Hammond.

[Craig Smith]

Are they having a laugh about that BBC forecast, if any snow it will probably be on Christmas eve, how can they possibly be that precise?

[shuggee]

Just recording it here for prosperity http://nwstatic.co.uk/forum/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/laugh.gif

Monthly Summary

A ridge of high pressure across the UK brings a cold spell. This should disappear around Christmas to allow the Atlantic influence back in.

The retreating storm will draw in cold but dry air which, for the first week, will be trapped over the UK by high pressure. Frosty nights and cold days will result. There should be a reasonable amount of sunshine except in the northwest, on the edge of high pressure. Indeed, mild and cloudy weather with some rain is possible here.

A slow erosion of the cold high by Atlantic depressions will eventually lift temperatures back to normal or a bit above and just possibly bring a little snow during the transformation. From Christmas onward, sunny spells, at least average temperatures but little rain looks like the pattern.

Monday 10th December 2007 to Sunday 16th December 2007

"Increasingly cold but sunny for most with night frost."

As the stormy weekend becomes a memory, Monday's retreating northerly wind and cold air will then lie over us before things become calm under a static ridge. Long nights bring frost, typically -3C by midweek.

Daytime temperatures a little below normal at 6 to 8 degrees, despite sunny spells, except in northwest fringes where a mild 11C is likely under the influence of a southwesterly mind.

A slow eastward drift of the big pressure pattern will form an anticyclone over Denmark by Friday. This draws cold easterly winds over England, with daytime temperatures of 3 to 6 degrees in the sun. Northern and western Britain and Northern Ireland will be nearer 11C with more of the Atlantic cloud and breeze. Some rain is likely in Northern Ireland and western Scotland.

Monday 17th December 2007 to Sunday 23rd December

"Atlantic influence prevails in the north, continental in the south."

North - south divide. Continental anticyclonic cold prevails in the south which, at this time of the year brings sub-normal temperatures, 3 or 4 degrees Celcius to a lot of England. Atlantic sourced weather will bring a lot of cloud and some rain to Scotland, Northern Ireland and northern England.

Fohn effects, especially in northeast Scotland should lift temperatures well above normal in lee of hills. Otherwise around or just above normal - 7 to 9C.

Monday 24th December 2007 to Sunday 6th January 2008

"Wind from the southwest, average temperatures."

In the change from cold to mild, easterly to southwesterly, high pressure to lower pressure, there is a possibility of snow, briefly. It may well be a short lived event as the trend is for little precipitation of any sort.

If there is snow, it's likely to be on Christmas Eve.

[Stuart]

Cold and frosty at first, eventually becoming milder and more changeable.

It is known as the lazy east wind - far too idle to go round you, so it just goes straight through. Easterly winds are never a good thing at this time of year, originating as they do in the chill of an Eastern European winter, with plenty of sting left in them by the time they reach the UK.

They also tend to be difficult to get rid of, which is why there is a lot of uncertainty as to just when milder westerlies from the Atlantic will win the battle and take over.

Monday 17th December 2007 to Sunday 23rd December 2007

“The weather is in no mood to change - expect cold and dry.”

A vast area of high pressure will continue to dominate the scene right across northern Europe, with its centre over Southern Scandinavia. This is known as a blocking pattern and means a cold east to southeasterly airstream will be maintained across the UK.

The brisk, drying wind will have a keen edge to it, with daytime temperatures only rising a few degrees above freezing and widespread frosts developing quickly overnight. A few patches of freezing fog are likely, which will linger all day in a few places.

Areas of cloud will tend to come and go, so that most places will see some bright sunshine at times, but it will feel particularly cold and raw when skies overhead are grey.

Northern Ireland and Northwest Scotland will stay in a slightly milder regime, with daytime temperatures near average and less risk of overnight frost, but it will be windy.

Monday 24th December 2007 to Sunday 30th December

“Will it or won't it?”

By now our blocking high pressure has become something of a couch potato, but the Christmas period could see it elbowed aside by energetic Atlantic weather systems. There is likely to be a messy transition as the cold air puts up a fight, and that could result in some snow or even freezing rain for a time.

Whether any snow falls on Christmas Day itself is still an open question, but it does look as if most places will be into a milder regime as we move towards New Year.

Monday 31st December 2007 to Sunday 13th January 2008

“Windy and changeable”

Most signs point towards a milder start to 2008, with westerly winds predominating. The weather is likely to be changeable, with most of the rain across the northwest and driest conditions in the southeast. All areas will see some sunshine at times, which could push temperatures well above average across eastern parts of Scotland and England.

January is often the coldest part of the winter - will it live up to this expectation?

Will the possiblility of snow increase as we head further into January?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/ukweather/monthly_outlook.shtml