Preston weather forecast reveals how long sunshine will last after weeks of rain
Lancashire is set to enjoy a spell of sunshine and mild temperatures this week - a welcome change after weeks of rain and grey skies.
Forecasters say Wednesday will bring dry conditions and sunny spells, with temperatures reaching around 15C in Preston.
The brighter weather follows a particularly wet end to winter across England.
Data from the Met Office shows the country experienced its eighth wettest winter on record, with rainfall totals about 42 per cent above the seasonal average.
Despite the improvement, the sunshine may not last for long.
Thursday will start with hazy sunshine, but cloud is expected to thicken during the day with rain arriving later, although temperatures could climb to around 17C before conditions turn wetter.
The outlook then remains changeable.
Friday and Saturday are forecast to be largely settled with sunny spells, though temperatures will drop back closer to the seasonal average.
By Sunday, forecasters say cloud will increase with spells of rain possible across parts of the region.
Last month was also unusually dull across the UK.
Met Office figures show February was the seventh dullest on record in England, with very limited sunshine due to persistent Atlantic weather systems.
Dr Amy Doherty said the winter had been marked by strong regional contrasts in rainfall.
She said: “February’s mild and notably dull conditions have brought a winter of considerable contrasts to a close.
“Some areas experienced persistent rainfall, leading to saturated ground and several places recording one of their wettest winters on record.”
As meteorological spring begins, forecasters say conditions should become more settled for a time, although spells of rain and stronger winds are likely to return later in March.