As the UK welcomes the rare date of February 29, 2024, the weather seems keen on making this leap year day particularly memorable. Residents across the nation are advised to prepare for a weekend of contrasting weather experiences.
Arctic Blast Set to Blow Across the UK this Weekend
On Friday, an Arctic air mass is expected to arrive in Britain, bringing a cold and wet weekend for much of the country. Temperatures will drop as the frigid air takes hold, with average highs of only 9°C expected for London and 7°C for Manchester. Coastal areas, particularly in the north and west, will experience strong winds that will make it feel even colder, so extra layers will be necessary.
Low pressure systems will dominate weather conditions over the weekend, bringing rain and snow showers to many areas. The worst of the unsettled weather is expected on Saturday, with prolonged periods of rain and snow.
By Sunday, precipitation will become more intermittent, although showers may linger in some northern and coastal locations. Drivers should exercise extra caution as roads may become slick, and flooding is possible in prone locations.
Sunday Promises a Bit of Respite
On Sunday, similar uncertainties to the previous day are expected, but conditions will improve slightly. Frost and fog may linger in some areas, but sunny spells will come late in the day and offer little warmth. The winds are calming, particularly in the south of England, but there is still a possibility of rain on the horizon.
That said, the instability theme will continue next week, with frontal systems bringing more rain and showers. Temperatures will remain low, struggling to reach average values for early March.
Although occasional brief breaks of sunshine are possible, the medium-term forecast remains uncertain. Be prepared for a period of unsettled weather over the next few days, with few significant changes in temperature.
Regions and Local Authorities Affected
The weather warning extends to various regions and local authorities, including but not limited to:
London & South East England
- Hampshire
- Isle of Wight
- Portsmouth
- Southampton
- West Berkshire
South West England
- Bath and North East Somerset
- Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole
- Bristol
- Cornwall
- Devon
- Dorset
- Gloucestershire
- North Somerset
- Plymouth
- Somerset
- South Gloucestershire
- Swindon
- Torbay
- Wiltshire
Wales
- Blaenau Gwent
- Bridgend
- Caerphilly
- Cardiff
- Carmarthenshire
- Ceredigion
- Conwy
- Denbighshire
- Gwynedd
- Merthyr Tydfil
- Monmouthshire
- Neath Port Talbot
- Newport
- Pembrokeshire
- Powys
- Rhondda Cynon Taf
- Swansea
- Torfaen
- Vale of Glamorgan
- Wrexham
- West Midlands
- Herefordshire
- Shropshire
- Worcestershire