Stromness (Orkney Islands) weather

Headline:

A dry start, but rain and gales in the afternoon.

Today:

A dry bright start, but high cloud thickening and lowering. Outbreaks of rain spread north from around midday, turning heavy over Shetland late afternoon. Southeast becoming easterly winds increasing through the day with gales in the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.

Tonight:

A dry evening across Orkney, but heavy rain over Shetland. Further outbreaks of rain across the Northern Isles overnight. Southeast gales becoming southwest, increasing to severe gales at times. Minimum temperature 7 °C.

Wednesday:

Outbreaks of rain for much of the day with gale to severe gale force winds, perhaps reaching storm force at times. Maximum temperature 9 °C.

Outlook for Thursday to Saturday:

A drier few days with winds less strong, although still breezy at times. Some patchy rain later Thursday and early Friday, then heavier rain on Saturday.

A continuation of a similar pattern to that seen through early December is anticipated, especially at first, as frontal systems from the Atlantic spread into and across the UK, interspersed with some temporary drier interludes. These will bring spells of rain, which may be heavy at times leading to the risk of some impacts given how wet it has been lately, especially in the west. In addition, there may also be potential for some periods of strong winds at times too. Whilst it will often be mild, later in the period there may be a slight downward trend in temperature, especially across northern parts of the UK where there may also be a slightly higher chance of some wintry hazards at times.

Changeable conditions are expected across the UK during this period. Low pressure systems will probably dominate, meaning showers or longer spells of rain, heavy at times, for much of the UK and some hill snow in the north. Periods of strong wind are also possible, especially around coasts. Some drier, more settled spells are possible but how long these last is very uncertain. Temperatures will likely be close to average or slightly above overall.