We've had just about everything thrown at us this week apart from snow - double rainbows, funnel clouds, strong winds, sunshine, hail, thunder and some dramatic lightning. In fact there was more lightning in Wales on Wednesday night than anywhere else in Europe!
Lightning in Dale, Pembrokeshire by Luke Rees
The reason for the dramatic and stormy weather is an area of low pressure which has brought very unstable conditions, together with cool air passing over the sea which is relatively warm at this time of year. This combination has led to some vigorous convection and towering cumulonimbus clouds producing torrential downpours with hail and thunder.
Looking ahead to the weekend, there are more showers in the forecast but I can promise some sunshine as well. Sunday should be dry, although watch out for fog patches if you're travelling. Temperatures will be around the seasonal average 12 to 15°C but at night it will turn chilly with a risk of ground frost, especially in the countryside and in rural areas, where the sky remains clear.
Forecast chart for Friday 10 October 2014
Next week, low pressure over France will move north and bring the risk of some rain on Monday. Tuesday should be drier. Wednesday should be dry but low pressure over the Atlantic may bring more rain and freshening winds by Thursday.
