A BLAST of winter weather could RUIN the first week of the Easter holidays as snow, hail & freezing temperatures engulf Britain.

The Met Office has today issued a yellow weather warning for snow across Scotland, which came into force from 6am today until 10pm tonight.

Forecasters expect a wet start for most places on Wednesday, with the South staying dry for some time.

And further wintry showers are then expected to hit the north of England on Thursday and Friday as the freezing weather continues.

Met Office forecaster Jonathan Vautrey said: “The general theme is for the weather to be unsettled.

“There will be a damp and cloudy start to the working week for most with further outbreaks of rain on Tuesday and Wednesday in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Northern England.

“There will also be a more persistent band of rain across southern areas by Thursday.”

Read our UK weather blog below for the latest forecasts and updates…

It’s Spring which is cause for happiness

1 March marks the beginning of Spring, while 31 May signifies it’s end.

As we enter the midpoint of Spring we’ll start to see, or rather smell, more to lift the spirits.

There is much to dampen our moods, not least the weather, however Spring is the season with the most moisture in the air.

The moisture carries with it more smells which coincides nicely with flowers blossoming.
Wintry showers expected across the country next week

After a rainy weekend, next week looks to be unsettled.

Central and Southern areas set to experience patches of rain and showers.

Further north next week looks like it will be dry, albeit cold.

The end of the week is likely to be milder.
Stay safe throughout rainy April with these tips

Rain can bring a number of risks with it but there some ways we can stay safe.

1. Don’t walk in the rain! Of course you can walk in the rain, but more specifically large puddle. Doing so can expose you to a host of bacteria.

2. Carry an umbrella or wear a raincoat. Much like above, if you get very wet and and cold, you’re more likely to fall ill.

3. Drive safely and carefully. A wet road increases the chance of skidding and slipping. Take care when turning and ensure the gap is wide enough to prevent crashing.

4. Steer clear of live wires. Live wires and water are a perfect combination for electrocution – be careful.

5. Shut windows properly. This will keep water from getting into your home and potentially causing damp.

What does climate change mean for the UK?

In light of the IPCC’s announcement, it seems wise to find out what that means for us in the UK.

The Met Office have launched a tool in conjunction with the BBC for you to look at the climate in your area.

Click through and input your postcode to find out the climate near you.
Saturday will bring respite from the rain

Hill snow is likely on Thursday and Friday.

We’ll likely experience a lot of rain at the end of the week, though thankfully Saturday looks to be somewhat drier and brighter, albeit cold and windy.
More rain and snow expected for Scotland throughout the night

As most of us eagerly await the warmth of the Summer, it currently feels very far away.

Most of the UK will experience windy weather along with bands of rain and showers.

Meanwhile Scotland is set to have a mix of snow and rain throughout the night.
Not too wet today across most of UK

Despite April set to be a relatively wet month, today is somewhat dry.

Snow is expected in areas of Scotland today before settling, and drizzle is likely across the north and northwest.

Mainly dry, bright and mild in other areas.
One flood alert in the UK

Despite the rather gloomy wet weather of late, the Met Office have issued only one flood alert today.

If you are near or travelling around the Humber estuary from Spurn Point to Winestead Outfall, take care in the face of a possible flood.
Climate Change: IPCC say it’s ‘now or never’

We recycle, many want to switch to electric energy and yet it may not be enough.

The IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) have issued a warning that we’ve passed the point of no return.

It’s said regardless of what we do, the world will still warm by 3.2 degrees this century.

However, in order to limit the warming of our beloved planet further, it’s issued some things that we need to do to keep the warmth rising no more than 1.5C this century – we must reach net-zero by the middle of the century.

Good morning! It’s Ije Teunissen-Oligboh back with you sharing the latest on the weather today!!
Short summary of today’s weather

The Met Office has published a short summary of today’s weather.

It reads: “Rain and drizzle in the north and northwest.

“Snow on high ground of Scotland, settling to lower levels later where it will be cold.

“Mainly dry, bright and mild elsewhere.”
It may be a rainy month, but the flowers may lift your spirits

The days are set to remain grey with rain most days throughout the month, but we should start to see more flowers in bloom.

To lift your spirits, keep an eye out for plants flowering throughout the month.

Marigolds, ginger, forget-me-nots and lilies are all some of the flowers you might be able to keep an eye for this month.

Carnations, roses and sunflowers will also be in bloom, thanks to the wind, increased sunlight and rain we’ve been experiencing.
North/south divide in the weather this morning

The Met Office said: “A cloudy and locally damp start on Tuesday morning, but sunny spells developing in parts of Northern Ireland, Wales and England and feeling rather warm.

“Very wet for much of Scotland with persistent rain and hill snow in the north.

“Brighter in Shetland with wintry showers.”

A cloudy and locally damp start on #Tuesday morning, but sunny spells developing in parts of Northern Ireland, Wales and England and feeling rather #warm

Very wet for much of Scotland with persistent #rain and hill #snow in the north. Brighter in Shetland with wintry showers ❄️ pic.twitter.com/egvAAfUWp1

— Met Office (@metoffice) April 5, 2022
It may be a rainy month, but the flowers may lift your spirits

The days are set to remain grey with rain most days throughout the month, but we should start to see more flowers in bloom.

To lift your spirits, keep an eye out for plants flowering throughout the month.

Marigolds, ginger, forget-me-nots and lilies are all some of the flowers you might be able to keep an eye for this month.

Carnations, roses and sunflowers will also be in bloom, thanks to the wind, increased sunlight and rain we’ve been experiencing.
Temperatures across UK capitals this week

Stay abreast of the weather in your capital this week.

As most schools across the UK wind down ready for Easter holidays, below is what to expect in a capital city near you.

Belfast
Rainy, windy, temp between 9C and 11C

Cardiff
Windy, dry, temp between 10C and 12C

Edinburgh
Light rain, windy, temp between 6C and 12C

London
Light rain, windy, temp between 10C and 15C

The return of April showers

The mild temperatures had many thinking Summer was on the horizon, but not quite.

We’re due a rainy week to come and more rain for the rest of the month.

Drier spells expected interspersed with the rain as we draw closer to May.

For now, don’t forget your brolly and perhaps some wellies too!
It’s cold and wet, and the cost of living has gone up. Here are tips to save energy!

We’ll soon be enjoying a British Summer, but until then, here are some of the best ways to save energy and keep warm.

1. Turn off appliances on standby. Turning the appliance off at the plug could save £30.

2. Save around £75 a year by installing a smart thermostat. It can tell the rooms that are in use and heat the space accordingly.

3. Efficient appliances! Don’t throw out an appliance unless you need to anyway, but if you are getting a new one, make sure it’s energy efficient. An A+++ fridge freezer could save you £320 over its lifespan.

4. Wash your clothes at 30. It may only save £5 a year, but at this point you might agree that even a small amount helps!

5. Insulate your roof. It could be costing you about £135 a year in heating costs.
No need to water plants in this weather

Whether you’re a keen gardener or just have a few outdoor plants, be careful not to drown your plants.

Most areas of the UK are experiencing a lot of rain this week – the rain water will suffice to keep your plants thriving throughout the month.
Why is it so rainy in April?

‘April showers bring forth May flowers’, but why is it pretty much guaranteed to rain in April?

The sea temperature in the UK is at it’s lowest. Coupled with the Sun heating us more as the days get longer and the Sun gets higher results in warmer land temperatures.

The clouds form over the warmer land, causing the rains to fall on us!

Thankfully, the drier weather and warmth of May aren’t too far away now.
Check out temperatures for city breaks abroad this Easter

If you’re looking for a city break abroad but not too far away, look no further!

Paris – 9C

Madrid – 12C

Barcelona – 12

Copenhagen – 7C

Oslo – 4C

Amsterdam – 9C
With grey weather to come, find out the rainfall in your area

The Met Office provides a tool to find out the rainfall in a specific area.

The UK rainfall radar map shows rainfall across the UK at 5 minute intervals.

Tonight will continue to be rainy and windy

In the highlands, it’s likely for there to be snow.

The rest of the country will endure intermittent rain along with windy weather.

Rain expected particularly in the West across Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
Looking ahead to holidays this Summer?

Stay positive this Spring by planning holidays abroad.

There are few things more annoying than going on holiday seeking great weather and finding yourself dealing with rubbish weather too.

Don’t get caught out this year by checking the weather month by month in some of our favourite holiday destinations.
Wednesday to Friday outlook

Rain and snow across Scotland Wednesday moving south, showers with bright spells elsewhere.

Cold on Thursday and Friday with snow showers in the north, perhaps some rain far south. Windy.
Tomorrow’s forecast

Rain and drizzle in the north and northwest.

Snow on high ground of Scotland, settling to lower levels later where it will be cold.

Mainly dry, bright and mild elsewhere.