Written by Charlotte Reid
Bristol started Thursday under a blanket of heavy rain as a slow-moving weather system swept in from the southwest, soaking roads and disrupting the morning commute. According to the
Met Office,
the downpours will push northeast through the morning before easing into scattered showers later in the day.
Temperatures hover around 7°C this morning but feel closer to 4°C thanks to persistent rain and brisk winds. Rain risk peaks near 80% at the height of the commute, while south-westerly gusts reach up to 18mph, making conditions feel raw and unsettled across the city.
By late morning, rainfall becomes more intermittent, with brighter spells breaking through during the afternoon. Temperatures will struggle to rise beyond 8°C, and although showers ease, isolated bursts may still turn briefly heavy. Humidity remains high, between 84% and 92%, while visibility is generally good at up to 30km.
Cold night ahead with frost risk
Showers fade during the evening, allowing skies to clear overnight. With calmer conditions, temperatures will fall sharply, and some outlying areas could drop as low as -1°C by Friday morning. The Met Office warns of the potential for mist and local frost, especially in sheltered spots across Somerset and the Avon Valley.
Friday brings more rain and stronger winds
Friday begins dry, but conditions will deteriorate rapidly as another Atlantic system approaches from the west. Cloud thickens through the day before a fresh wave of heavy rain spreads east by evening. Coastal parts of the southwest may experience near-gale gusts, with highs reaching around 13°C.
The unsettled pattern continues into the weekend. Saturday brings blustery showers, while Sunday is expected to be wetter with longer spells of rain. Monday offers a brief lull with drier conditions, though winds remain noticeable.
Travel and safety advisory
Motorists and vulnerable road users are urged to plan carefully amid reduced visibility and slick roads. Additional winter guidance for drivers is available in our latest update on
Christmas Weather Alerts for UK Motability Car Users.
The Met Office also highlighted today’s band of rain in a social media update, warning commuters across southern England to expect disruption as the system continues its slow north-eastward march.
For pollution-sensitive groups, today’s outlook is relatively favourable, with air quality rated low risk and UV levels remaining low throughout the day. A full air-quality breakdown is available from the UK’s
Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs.
Residents are advised to dress warmly, allow extra travel time, and remain alert for rapidly changing conditions as winter weather continues to assert itself across the southwest.
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