Will Preston's weather improve this week as rain returns and colder air arrives - and could it snow
Lancashire’s brief taste of spring sunshine may not last, with cloud and rain returning this week before colder air raises the chance of wintry conditions.
Saturday’s sunshine offered a taste of spring for many parts of the county, but the Met Office says the weather is set to turn more unsettled as the week progresses.
Monday has started cloudy across much of the North West, with patchy rain developing through the day.
Clearer conditions may spread slowly from the west, although many areas are expected to stay largely overcast into the evening.
The cloud is set to linger into Tuesday, with further patchy drizzle possible during the morning.
However, the cloud should begin to lift and break during the afternoon as southwesterly winds strengthen, bringing a few brighter spells.
Temperatures in Lancashire could reach around 10–12C.
More changeable weather is expected from midweek.
By Wednesday, rain and cloud should gradually clear southeastwards, allowing for some sunny intervals.
However, blustery showers are likely at times and it will remain breezy across the region.
Conditions then turn more unsettled again on Thursday, with brisk winds and outbreaks of rain expected across much of the North West.
Rain is likely to be heaviest over western hills, including the Lake District, where rainfall totals could reach 30–50mm in places.
The Met Office says a more noticeable change could arrive by the end of the week.
A shift in wind direction to a north-westerly airflow on Friday is expected to bring colder air across the UK.
This could lead to a mix of sunshine and heavy showers, with the potential for snow over higher ground in northern and western areas.
Met Office Chief Operational Meteorologist Jason Kelly said the colder conditions could also bring wintry hazards.
He said: “A notable shift in wind direction to a north-westerly flow will bring a markedly colder day nationwide on Friday, with the potential for a mixture of sunny spells, heavy showers, coastal gales, and snow over high ground.
“There’s also the possibility of accumulations on lower hills too. The picture will become clearer closer to the time.”
For Lancashire itself, temperatures are forecast to dip slightly by Friday, with daytime highs around 8°C, giving the weather a cooler feel compared with earlier in the week.
Looking further ahead into mid-March, the Met Office expects the UK to remain changeable, with spells of rain and showers interspersed with drier intervals.
Temperatures are likely to stay close to average overall, although brief colder snaps could still bring frost and hill snow at times.