Met Office forecasts warm start then cooler, unsettled weekend for Welwyn Garden City and Hatfield

Key facts

• Saturday high of 22°C in Welwyn Garden City and Hatfield.
• Sunday high of 18°C with 60–70% rain chance.
• Saturday morning temperatures near 0–3°C with possible mist.
• Pollen levels high on Saturday; UV moderate.
• Bury sees cooler conditions: Saturday highs 11–13°C, Sunday 10–12°C.
• Winds Saturday: southwest 5–6 mph; Sunday: north-northwest 6–7 mph.

A weekend of two halves across southern England

Residents in Welwyn Garden City and Hatfield can expect a warm and largely dry Saturday before conditions turn markedly cooler and wetter on Sunday, according to the Met Office. Saturday will begin with sunny intervals and dry weather, with temperatures climbing steadily to a daytime high of around 22°C by the afternoon. Winds will be light, mainly from the southwest at 5–6 mph, making it feel warm during brighter spells. However, cloud will gradually increase through the afternoon, and light showers may develop later in the day. The risk of rain rises to 40–50% by late afternoon and early evening, though any showers are expected to be patchy. Visibility will remain generally good to very good, with only brief reductions possible during heavier bursts.

Sunday brings cooler temperatures and widespread showers

Sunday will be noticeably cooler and more overcast across the two towns. Temperatures will peak at around 18°C, with high humidity making it feel slightly clammy at times. Winds will be light, from the north to north-west at 6–7 mph. Light showers are expected to become more widespread from late morning, with rain chances increasing to 60–70% during the afternoon. The shift reflects a broader change in the weather pattern, as a cooler air mass moves in from the north. while Saturday offers the best opportunity for outdoor plans, Sunday will feel damp and unsettled.

Chilly nights and high pollen levels complicate the outlook

Despite the warm daytime highs, Saturday will start cold after a clear night, with early morning temperatures falling close to 0–3°C. Any early mist or fog will be short-lived, with widespread sunshine developing quickly through the morning. The Met Office also warns that pollen levels are forecast to be high on Saturday, while UV levels will be moderate during the afternoon. Saturday evening will remain dry and clear, with temperatures dropping away quickly after sunset. Sunday will begin on the cool side, with early temperatures around 4–5°C. Sunny intervals are expected through the day, although some cloud will develop at times.

Bury faces a cooler, breezier weekend with fewer bright spells

In contrast, Bury in Greater Manchester will experience a cooler and more unsettled weekend, with breezy conditions and occasional showers. Saturday will be mostly cloudy with a good chance of showers at times, though there will be some drier periods with brighter spells in between. Temperatures are expected to reach around 11–13°C in the afternoon, dropping to 5–7°C at night. Winds will be mainly westerly or south-westerly, light to moderate, at roughly 10–20 mph, with slightly higher gusts in and around showers. Sunday will be another cool, mostly cloudy day, but with fewer showers than Saturday. Many places will be dry for long periods. Daytime temperatures will reach around 10–12°C mid-afternoon, dropping to 4–6°C at night. Winds will be light easterly or south-easterly at times, around 5–15 mph.

Regional divide underscores the unpredictability of spring weather

The stark contrast between the two regions highlights the variability of spring weather in the UK. While southern areas enjoy a brief taste of warmth, northern and western parts remain under a cooler, more unsettled regime. The Met Office's detailed forecasts for each locality reflect the challenge of predicting conditions at a granular level. For residents in Welwyn Garden City and Hatfield, the advice is clear: make the most of Saturday's sunshine and warmth, but prepare for a damp and cooler Sunday. In Bury, the weekend will be a mixed bag of clouds and showers, with only fleeting brighter spells.

Outlook: a return to unsettled conditions next week?

The Met Office has not yet issued a long-range forecast beyond the weekend, but the pattern suggests a continuation of cool, showery weather into the following week. The high pollen levels on Saturday could be a concern for allergy sufferers, while the moderate UV index calls for sensible sun protection during any prolonged outdoor activity. As spring progresses, such rapid shifts between warm and cool spells are typical. The weekend's weather serves as a reminder that in the UK, even a promising forecast can change quickly.

The bottom line

• Saturday offers the best weather for outdoor plans in Welwyn Garden City and Hatfield, with highs of 22°C and low rain risk.
• Sunday will be cooler and wetter, with temperatures around 18°C and a 60–70% chance of showers.
• Pollen levels are high on Saturday, affecting hay fever sufferers.
• Bury will see a cooler, breezier weekend with highs of 11–13°C and frequent showers.
• The weekend illustrates the sharp regional contrasts typical of UK spring weather.
• Residents should plan outdoor activities for Saturday and expect a damp Sunday.