As millions across the UK prepare to celebrate Guy Fawkes Night on Thursday and the Hindu festival of Diwali on 8 November, forecasters are predicting dry but chilly conditions. Following a stormy end to October, high pressure has built in and will dominate the weather for the rest of the week, bringing settled conditions for most.
Dry Days, Chilly Nights
For the vast majority of the UK, daytime hours will be dry with a mix of cloud and some sunny spells. However, as night falls, temperatures will dip into the single digits, and fog may develop in some areas. Those planning to attend bonfire displays or fireworks on Thursday evening should dress warmly, as temperatures are expected to drop into the mid-single figures overnight. While these temperatures are close to the seasonal average, they will feel notably colder than last year, when some southern areas experienced the warmest Bonfire Night on record, with temperatures not falling below 14C in places like Southampton, Teddington, Portland, Bude, and Anglesey.
Fireworks and Festivities
Despite the chill, the weather should not dampen spirits. For most hosting or attending bonfires on Thursday, soggy kindling won't be a concern, though a few areas may see some wet weather ahead of the festivities. An easterly wind could bring showers to eastern Scotland and eastern England from North Sea coasts throughout Wednesday, but the best of the sunshine will be towards the west. As the week continues, high pressure will keep things settled, with some cloud cover.
With many firework displays scheduled for Friday and Saturday, and Diwali falling on Sunday, communities across the UK will continue celebrations throughout the week. The weather is expected to remain dry and chilly, though fog could become more widespread as winds lighten, especially under clearer skies. Next week, low pressure systems may return from the west, but uncertainty remains.
Safety First
As always, safety should be a priority during fireworks festivities. Ensure you wrap up warmly, follow local safety guidelines, and enjoy the celebrations responsibly.
