Belfast (County Antrim) weather

Headline:

Storm Darragh will bring very wet and windy conditions.

Today:

Mainly dry and bright morning but rain reaching the southwest by midday. This rain, associated with Storm Darragh, will spread to all areas and become heavy in the afternoon. Light winds in the morning, freshening from the southeast during afternoon. Maximum temperature 9 °C.

Tonight:

Periods of heavy rain will continue through the night. Strong southeast winds easing for a time then becoming northwesterly with widespread gales developing later. Storm force winds over exposed parts. Minimum temperature 3 °C.

Saturday:

Very strong northwesterly winds due to Storm Darragh, reaching severe gale or storm force. Further rain in morning then becoming drier and brighter through afternoon with winds easing a little. Maximum temperature 7 °C.

Outlook for Sunday to Tuesday:

Mainly dry and bright on Sunday with winds continuing to ease. Dry with sunny spells and light winds on Monday and Tuesday. Night frosts.

High pressure looks like dominating the UK's weather at first, bringing plenty of dry but rather cold weather. Cloud amounts will be variable, but some clear or sunny spells are likely. Overnight frosts along with fog patches are probable for some regions, with the fog being slow to clear. Later next week or next weekend, conditions may turn more unsettled for a while, with a chance of stronger winds and some rain moving southeast. Through to the end of this period, there is an increased chance of spells of wetter and windier weather returning, these more likely towards the north with southern areas having a better chance of more prolonged drier, settled weather. Temperatures varying around average with both some colder and milder spells likely through this period.

Mainly unsettled conditions appear likely for most, with spells of wind and rain followed by showers affecting most areas but especially towards the north or northwest. Some sleet and snow is also possible at times, especially on high ground in the north. However, there are also some signs that more settled conditions are possible at times, these perhaps most likely across the south late in December or into early January. Temperatures are likely to be around average overall, with any more settled interludes bringing a risk of frost and fog.