A breezy day is expected on Thursday 12 March with some early sunshine, but cloud will thicken through the afternoon as rain spreads in later, followed by a wet and windy evening.
EARLY MORNING
The day will begin partly cloudy with some early sunshine developing after dawn. Temperatures will start around 8°C and gradually rise through the morning. Winds will already be fresh from the south-south-west at around 18 to 20 mph, with gusts strengthening from around 36 mph to more than 40 mph by mid-morning. The chance of rain will remain very low at below five per cent during this period.
•  55 mph winds expected across the East Midlands on Thursday
MIDDAY
Cloud will increase through the late morning and midday period, although most places will remain dry. Temperatures will climb to around 12°C by midday. Strong south-south-westerly winds will continue at around 24 mph, with gusts approaching 48 to 49 mph at times, making it feel noticeably windy despite the mild temperatures.
AFTERNOON
The afternoon will turn increasingly cloudy with the risk of rain building steadily. Temperatures will reach around 13°C during the early afternoon before holding steady. Winds will remain strong from the south-south-west at around 24 to 25 mph with gusts near 48 mph. Rain chances will increase from around 30 per cent early afternoon to about 70 per cent by late afternoon.
EVENING
Rain is expected to become widespread through the evening with a high likelihood of persistent showers. Temperatures will gradually fall from around 13°C late afternoon to about 10°C by late evening. Strong south-westerly winds will continue at around 20 to 24 mph, with gusts reaching between 34 and 47 mph before slowly easing later in the night.
