As the Bank Holiday weekend approaches, many in the UK are eager to know whether the weather will cooperate for Easter Sunday treasure hunts. Recent days have seen a notable shift from the dry and sunny conditions that characterized the early part of April, with wet and windy weather now taking center stage.
On Thursday, April 17, 2025, the forecast indicates a largely dry day for much of England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. However, a few showers could crop up, particularly in Northern Ireland during the afternoon. Meanwhile, Scotland is expected to remain cloudy, with some showers expected but becoming drier and brighter from the south later in the day. Temperatures could reach 9-12°C in Scotland and Northern Ireland, while the southeast of England may see highs of 17°C. A touch of frost is also anticipated overnight in northeast Scotland, where temperatures may dip below freezing.
Looking ahead to Good Friday, April 18, 2025, the weather takes a turn for the worse, with a cloudy and wet day anticipated across the western regions of the UK. The heaviest rain is expected in Northern Ireland, according to the Met Office, which noted that the day would start off wet and breezy, especially over higher ground where heavy rain could occur. The rain is expected to fragment into showers through the afternoon but will persist into the evening and overnight. In contrast, eastern areas are likely to experience drier conditions with some sunshine, particularly in central and southeastern England, where temperatures could reach 18°C.
Saturday, April 19, 2025, is expected to bring rain to the south-west of the UK in the morning, but conditions should improve into the afternoon. Elsewhere, the day will see areas of cloud with some sunny spells, although it will feel a bit cooler on the east coast, with maximum temperatures reaching 10-12°C. The Met Office’s Oliver Claydon emphasized that it will be a mixed weekend for Northern Ireland, as low pressure remains a constant presence. On Saturday, he noted, "It will remain showery with plenty of cloud around too, though there will be the odd brighter spell particularly in the north." Highs of 11°C are expected for both Saturday and Sunday.
As for Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025, cloudy skies are predicted over eastern areas, with a slight risk of light rain along the coast. For most, it will be a dry day with the best sunshine expected in the western regions, although the south is likely to turn cloudier later in the day. Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, will see variable amounts of cloud for many, with some sunny spells, although showers may push into the south during the afternoon. Temperatures could reach 19°C in the southeast of England, but cooler conditions are expected along the eastern coasts, where temperatures will range from 13-16°C.
In Northern Ireland specifically, the weekend weather is expected to be quite unsettled. Claydon explained that Sunday will be similar to Saturday, with showers scattered across the province and occasional bright spells in the north and east. "So I’m afraid not a settled outlook for Northern Ireland," he remarked, indicating that the forecast remains changeable with showers and spells of sunshine likely.
This mixed weather comes after an extraordinary spell of sunshine earlier in the month, where temperatures even surpassed the 20°C mark in some areas. As the Easter weekend unfolds, it seems that while outdoor plans may need to be adjusted, there will still be opportunities to enjoy the holiday, albeit with an umbrella in hand.
For those making plans, it’s always advisable to keep an eye on the latest forecasts through the BBC Weather website and app, ensuring that you’re well-prepared for the changing conditions this Easter weekend.
