Weather map shows UK will be hotter than Spain and Italy this week

By MARK DUELL, DEPUTY CHIEF REPORTER

Published: | Updated:

Much of Britain will enjoy a brief mild spell this week with temperatures warmer than Spain and Italy - while Scotland endures half a month's worth of rain in 42 hours. Highs will gradually rise over the coming days to hit 15C (59F) in South East England by Wednesday - above Barcelona (13C/55F), Madrid (9C/48F) and Rome (14C/57F).

Much of Britain will enjoy a brief mild spell this week with temperatures warmer than Spain and Italy - while Scotland endures half a month's worth of rain in 42 hours. Highs will gradually rise over the coming days to hit 15C (59F) in South East England by Wednesday - above Barcelona (13C/55F), Madrid (9C/48F) and Rome (14C/57F).

But a 'very wet, damp and miserable' start to the week was forecast for western Scotland, with persistent downpours threatening flooding and travel disruption. The Met Office imposed a yellow rain warning for parts of the Highlands, Argyll and Bute, Perthshire and the Stirling area from 6pm last night until midday tomorrow. More than 6in (150mm) could fall in parts of the warning area, which will also be hit by further strong winds after a storm-force gust of 78mph in Lerwick yesterday.

But a 'very wet, damp and miserable' start to the week was forecast for western Scotland, with persistent downpours threatening flooding and travel disruption. The Met Office imposed a yellow rain warning for parts of the Highlands, Argyll and Bute, Perthshire and the Stirling area from 6pm last night until midday tomorrow. More than 6in (150mm) could fall in parts of the warning area, which will also be hit by further strong winds after a storm-force gust of 78mph in Lerwick yesterday.

ScotRail said speed restrictions had been brought in due to the severe weather from Glasgow to Oban and Mallaig and from Inverness to Wick and Kyle of Lochalsh. But while Scotland suffered heavy rain, conditions were drier further south today with sunny spells and mild temperatures for the time of year at 12C (54F). Rain will continue to affect northern and western Scotland tonight, and possibly also Northern Ireland ¿ while it will be mostly dry elsewhere with clear spells at times.

ScotRail said speed restrictions had been brought in due to the severe weather from Glasgow to Oban and Mallaig and from Inverness to Wick and Kyle of Lochalsh. But while Scotland suffered heavy rain, conditions were drier further south today with sunny spells and mild temperatures for the time of year at 12C (54F). Rain will continue to affect northern and western Scotland tonight, and possibly also Northern Ireland – while it will be mostly dry elsewhere with clear spells at times.

Low pressure will arrive from the Atlantic tomorrow as rain spreads across northern and western areas, with sunnier intervals in between and showers elsewhere. Temperatures will again get up to 12C (54F) - before rising further on Wednesday to hit 15C (59F) despite conditions being cloudy in the South with possible rain. By Thursday however, northerly winds will bring a much cooler feel with 9C (48F) highs along with sunny spells and showers after early rain clears the far South.

Low pressure will arrive from the Atlantic tomorrow as rain spreads across northern and western areas, with sunnier intervals in between and showers elsewhere. Temperatures will again get up to 12C (54F) - before rising further on Wednesday to hit 15C (59F) despite conditions being cloudy in the South with possible rain. By Thursday however, northerly winds will bring a much cooler feel with 9C (48F) highs along with sunny spells and showers after early rain clears the far South.

Friday will be driest in the South East with sunny spells, while rain moves into the North West with strengthening winds ¿ and another day of 9C (48F) highs. Meanwhile the Environment Agency had 31 flood alerts in place for England plus one flood warning for the B1040 road south of the River Nene near Peterborough.

Friday will be driest in the South East with sunny spells, while rain moves into the North West with strengthening winds – and another day of 9C (48F) highs. Meanwhile the Environment Agency had 31 flood alerts in place for England plus one flood warning for the B1040 road south of the River Nene near Peterborough. 

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency issued five warnings and five alerts, but all of the alerts and warnings from Natural Resources Wales have now expired. Looking further ahead to the period of Christmas itself, the Met Office said in a long-term forecast that conditions will 'remain changeable' between December 21 and 29. Its forecast said: 'The wettest and windiest conditions will probably be in the north, with spells of heavy rain at times as low pressure systems pass by.

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency issued five warnings and five alerts, but all of the alerts and warnings from Natural Resources Wales have now expired. Looking further ahead to the period of Christmas itself, the Met Office said in a long-term forecast that conditions will 'remain changeable' between December 21 and 29. Its forecast said: 'The wettest and windiest conditions will probably be in the north, with spells of heavy rain at times as low pressure systems pass by.

'Further south, whilst some unsettled weather is likely at times, it will probably be drier overall with a greater influence of high pressure. 'Temperatures will likely vary around average, with both some milder and colder interludes at times. Snow will most likely be restricted to high ground, although could temporarily fall at lower levels in the north during any colder interludes.'

'Further south, whilst some unsettled weather is likely at times, it will probably be drier overall with a greater influence of high pressure. 'Temperatures will likely vary around average, with both some milder and colder interludes at times. Snow will most likely be restricted to high ground, although could temporarily fall at lower levels in the north during any colder interludes.'

The next named storm will be Storm Éowyn ¿ following on from Ashley on October 20, Bert on November 22, Conall on November 27 and Darragh on December 6.

The next named storm will be Storm Éowyn – following on from Ashley on October 20, Bert on November 22, Conall on November 27 and Darragh on December 6.

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