The UK and Ireland will see a transition from settled weather to more unsettled Atlantic conditions during the second half of November, with rain and strong winds becoming increasingly likely, according to the Met Office’s latest long-range forecast.

High pressure is expected to dominate initially between November 14th and 23rd, bringing generally dry and settled conditions, along with overnight frost.

Some showers are likely across northern and western Scotland, with the possibility of rain affecting other western coastal areas at times.

However, the more settled spell is expected to be relatively short-lived, with a change towards wetter and windier weather later in the weekend as bands of rain and areas of low pressure move in from the North Atlantic.

The changeable pattern is expected to continue through the remainder of the period, with spells of rain interspersed with brighter, showery conditions.

Temperatures are forecast to fluctuate, with colder conditions possible initially, although it will often remain mild, with temperatures close to or slightly above average for the time of year.

Unsettled weather likely into early December

The Met Office expects the changeable pattern to continue from November 24th until December 8th, as Atlantic weather systems track close to or across the UK.

These systems are likely to bring further spells of rain and strong winds, although brighter and more showery intervals are also expected.

Some snow is possible in northern areas, mainly over higher ground, while temperatures are expected to remain relatively mild for much of the UK.

There are indications that the track of low-pressure systems could shift further south later in the period, although the Met Office cautions that confidence in this development is low.

If that scenario materialises, central and southern parts of the UK could experience further spells of rain, while northern areas may become somewhat drier.

Temperatures could also fall more widely, bringing a colder feel towards the beginning of December.

The outlook therefore suggests that while a brief spell of quieter weather is possible during the middle of November, a return to more typical unsettled Atlantic conditions is increasingly likely towards the end of the month and into December.

The Met Office long-range outlook covers the UK. Conditions in Ireland may differ, although the broader Atlantic weather pattern can also influence conditions here.