PLENTY of bright sunshine is in store over the first half of the Easter weekend for those meeting up outdoors – but it will be feeling considerably cooler than the early part of this week.
After spell of warm weather for many, the Met Office says cooler conditions will spread across the UK by Friday before likely becoming unsettled and much colder with the chance of wintry conditions in some places from Sunday.
Temperatures across much of England and Wales climbed to over 20°C this week however conditions will change dramatically over the Easter weekend with colder spreading from the north.
People will be oput exploring the town's beauty spots
The Met Office says it is not unusual to see big swings in temperature across the UK in spring, however there will be a notable change in temperature as the warm air across the south is displaced.
The drop to single figures for many by the start of next week poses a challenge for sectors such as agriculture and horticulture. This is particularly true from late Sunday and into early next week when the character of the weather is likely to change with the prospect of snow showers for many accompanied by very strong northerly winds.
Another stunning picture os spring-time by Charlie
Deputy Chief Meteorologist, Mark Sidaway, said: “After a settled, warm spell with plenty of sunshine particularly across England and Wales our weather will take a notable change in direction later in the weekend.
"Very cold Arctic air will move in from the north west through Sunday, bringing snow showers and freezing overnight temperatures. The snow showers will predominantly affect the north and west of the UK. The south and east will likely remain drier but still cold with a lower chance of wintry showers.”
The good news is that despite the chill in the air there will be plenty of sunshine about for St Helens, according to the forecast.
Here's a run down of what to expect over the Easter weekend in St Helens.
Friday: A mix of sunshine and cloudy spells, with temperatures starting at 4°C before rising to 12°C later in the day. Be warned it could feel colder than that though, especially early in the day.
Saturday: A similar day temperature wise as Good Friday, but mainly sunny with some sustained spells of sunshine between noon and 3pm and 5pm and 7pm
Sunday: Cloudy with some sunny spells, with the temperature ranging between 4°C and 10°C. Will feel colder though
Monday: Temperatures are forecast to drop and there could be some rain in the early hours. It is set to be 0°C at 7am at could feel as cold as -6°C early on.
Temperatures are not expected to go above 5°C and it could feel sub-zero early in the afternoon. Still some sunshine amid the clouds though.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here