Week ahead: High pressure continues to dominate

3 Nov 2026 12:48 PM

A largely settled spell of weather is expected across the UK this week, as high pressure remains the dominant feature.

That does not mean it will be completely dry. Showers are expected in places, while cloud, mist and fog will become important features as the week progresses. However, with the jet stream meandering to the north of the UK and a large blocking area of high pressure sitting across the country, generally calm conditions will prevail.

A chilly and showery Tuesday

Tuesday starts frosty in some northern areas, with patches of mist and fog also possible. Further south, a brisk easterly breeze will help to keep temperatures higher overnight, although it will make conditions feel chilly during the day, particularly across eastern and southeastern parts.

Showers will feed into eastern areas through the day, with the greatest chance of staying dry further west, where some brighter or sunny spells are possible.

Temperatures will generally be around average for the time of year. However, after the relatively mild conditions experienced through much of the autumn so far, it may feel noticeably fresher, especially when exposed to the easterly breeze. Where sunshine develops and winds are lighter further north, it should feel more pleasant.

High pressure remains in charge

Little changes into Wednesday as high pressure continues to dominate. Scotland, Northern Ireland and perhaps northern England will remain closer to the centre of the high, bringing lighter winds and an increased chance of overnight frost, mist and fog.

Further south, the breeze should limit fog formation. Showers will remain possible, although fewer are expected in the southeast than on Tuesday. Some showers could develop across northern England and Northern Ireland, while a few may feed along the English Channel into southwest England.

Most places should just about reach double figures, although the continuing breeze across southern and eastern areas will make it feel fresher than the thermometer might suggest.

More cloud and fog later in the week

As the week progresses, pressure will gradually fall, while winds across southern Britain will begin to ease. However, high pressure will remain the main influence on the UK’s weather.

One consequence could be increasing amounts of cloud becoming trapped beneath the high. By Thursday morning there is the potential for fog where skies remain clear, alongside areas of low cloud and murk, particularly across Scotland, Northern Ireland and northern England.

Showery rain will continue to arrive from the east, potentially affecting Scotland, northern England and Northern Ireland, while southern areas are more likely to remain dry.

Towards the end of the working week, winds should become lighter more widely. There will still be an easterly flow capable of bringing showers inland, especially across eastern areas, with some potentially travelling west towards Northern Ireland. There are also signs of some brighter weather across southern and eastern parts, although showers could still reach southwest England from the English Channel.

Temperatures may edge down later in the week, with some areas struggling to reach double figures where cloud persists. Even with lighter winds, persistent cloud could make conditions feel distinctly chilly.

Will it stay settled into the weekend?

Despite showers during the week, overall rainfall totals are not expected to be particularly high.

High pressure is also likely to remain influential into the start of the weekend, bringing plenty of fine and dry weather. There should be some bright or sunny spells, although cloud may prove stubborn at times and mist and fog will remain possible.

For anyone planning fireworks, there should be dry weather for many, although visibility could be reduced by mist or fog in places.

By later Sunday and into Monday, there are signs that more unsettled conditions could begin approaching from the southwest. At this range, however, there remains uncertainty over how quickly that transition will take place, with settled weather potentially holding on for a while longer.

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