A brighter but chillier weekend is forecast across the UK as high pressure takes hold, following a week of fluctuating temperatures. Northerly winds on Friday are expected to bring in colder air, with daytime temperatures dropping to around the October average of 10 to 16C.
Some areas could experience their coldest spell of the autumn so far. Clear skies and light winds overnight may lead to patchy fog and some frost away from coastal areas. Nighttime temperatures could fall into single figures across most of the UK, with parts of rural Scotland, Northern Ireland, and northern England potentially seeing temperatures dip below freezing.
Looking ahead, the latest forecast data indicates a change in the weather pattern towards the end of next week. High pressure is expected to retreat, allowing Atlantic low-pressure systems to move in. Some of these developing systems could become particularly deep, raising the prospect of very wet and windy conditions, with the potential for stormy weather towards the end of next week and into the weekend.
This shift could bring much-needed rain to drought-hit parts of England and Wales, particularly southern and south-west England, where severe drought has been declared. However, the exact track and strength of these incoming weather systems remain uncertain, and the forecast could change over the coming days.