Unsettled through Thursday with showers and longer spells of rain, then improving from Friday with brighter and warmer conditions developing into the weekend.
Today (Wednesday)
A rather changeable day across North West England with plenty of cloud and frequent showers moving through from the west and southwest, some of these thundery in places. Some of the rain will be persistent for a time, especially across Lancashire, Cumbria and the Pennines, where a few heavier bursts are likely.
There will be occasional brighter intervals between showers, particularly across Cheshire and Merseyside, but sunshine will remain limited overall. Winds generally light to moderate from the southwest.
Temperatures reaching 14 to 17°C, although feeling cooler in prolonged rain and over higher ground.
Tonight
Showers continue into the evening, though becoming increasingly scattered overnight. Cloud will remain extensive for many areas, but a few clearer breaks may develop by dawn.
It will remain relatively mild with temperatures falling to 8 to 11°C, locally a little cooler in sheltered rural spots.
Thursday
Low pressure remains close to the UK, maintaining a mixed picture. A good deal of cloud is expected with scattered showers developing through the day. Some of these could become locally heavy, especially over hills and mountains, though many places will also experience dry periods.
Any sunshine will be rather hazy at times, but brighter conditions are likely than on Wednesday.
Highs of 15 to 18°C.
Friday
A noticeable improvement looks likely as pressure begins to rise from the southwest. Most places should see a largely dry day with sunny spells developing after any early cloud disperses.
A few isolated showers cannot be ruled out over the Pennines during the afternoon, but many areas may stay completely dry. Winds lighter than earlier in the week.
Temperatures climbing to 17 to 20°C, perhaps a touch warmer in sheltered inland locations.
Saturday
High pressure appears to become more influential across southern Britain, although a weak disturbance may brush northern areas. Much of North West England should enjoy a dry day with sunny intervals and broken cloud.
A small risk of a passing shower remains, particularly towards Cumbria, but rainfall looks far less widespread than earlier in the week.
Temperatures generally 18 to 21°C, feeling pleasantly warm in sunshine.
Outlook
The weekend and early part of next week currently look more settled than the first half of the week. Higher pressure is expected to remain close enough to bring longer dry spells, lighter winds and increasing amounts of sunshine.
While an occasional weak front may bring some cloud or isolated showers, especially towards northern and western districts, the overall trend favours drier weather and a gradual rise in temperatures.
Many parts of North West England could see temperatures reaching the low 20s Celsius during the warmest afternoons, particularly away from the coast. Nights should also become a little milder with fewer showers around.
