Met Office forecasts likely 'best day' for UK this weekend

The Met Office forecasts a rare sunny day across the UK on Saturday, February 14, with clear skies in Greater Manchester and cooler-than-average temperatures; rain, sleet and snow are expected before and after this day.

A rare sunny day is forecast for Saturday, February 14, following a period of wet and wintry weather across the region. The Met Office says Saturday will probably be the best day in some time, with widespread sunshine although temperatures are expected to be cooler than average. In Greater Manchester, clear skies are expected through Saturday daytime with top temperatures near 5C and evening lows around 0C. The current spell includes rain, sleet and snow on surrounding days, with wintry effects strongest to the east and north of the region. Key details: - Rain, sleet and snow are forecast across Greater Manchester on Friday, with wintry conditions heaviest in areas to the east and north, including Oldham and Rochdale. - Lower ground to the west is more likely to see rain rather than sleet or snow during the current period. - Friday's highs are reported near 4C with nighttime lows near -3C and 'feels like' temperatures up to about 0C. - Saturday is forecast to be clear and sunny in much of Greater Manchester, with daytime highs around 5C and clouds gathering in the evening to bring lows near 0C. - Overnight mist and fog are expected in parts of the region, then snow is reported to return in the early hours before turning to sleet and then to light rain and showers, with subsequent highs around 8C and lows near 3C. Summary: A bright but cool Saturday is expected to interrupt a wet and wintry spell, offering a brief period of widespread sunshine including across Greater Manchester. Unsettled conditions are reported to return after that, with overnight mist and early morning snow turning to sleet and rain; timing and local intensity are reported as varying by area.