Could a named storm be heading our way this Easter?

Unfortunately, Easter this year is looking very unsettled, with spells of strong winds — potentially even stormy at times — along with frequent heavy showers.

Some of these could turn wintry, especially over higher ground.

If you’re planning a ferry journey over the Easter weekend, be prepared for possible disruption, particularly across the north and west, where gales are likely to cause issues with timetables.

So, it’s probably fair to say the picnic blanket can stay tucked away this Easter.

For hillwalkers and Munro baggers, conditions look quite wild at times, although there may be a few short windows earlier on Saturday and again on Monday to get out.

As always, do check the latest forecast before heading out.

And for those taking part in traditional Easter egg rolling on Sunday morning — expect blustery conditions everywhere.

In the north, especially, strong winds could even send your eggs rolling back uphill.

Good Friday

Good Friday will start with rain clearing to brighter conditions, but heavy, blustery showers will follow. Winds will strengthen through the day, with gusts reaching 50–55mph across the Western Isles, far north Highlands and Northern Isles.

Saturday

Saturday looks like the pick of the weekend for many, with plenty of dry and bright weather across the north and east. However, rain will push into the west later in the afternoon, with winds beginning to freshen once again.

The most unsettled weather is expected Saturday night into Easter Sunday, as a vigorous storm system moves across the country. This could bring gusts of around 50 mph quite widely, with peaks closer to 70 mph along exposed coasts in the north and west, including the Hebrides. This system may even be named, so keep an eye on updates.

Easter Sunday

Easter Sunday itself will remain windy, especially across Orkney and Shetland where stormy conditions could persist for much of the day as the system pulls away towards Norway. Elsewhere, expect frequent showers in the west, gusty winds, and snow over the hills. Some heavier showers may also bring hail or sleet to lower levels.

Easter Monday

Easter Monday looks more settled for most, with a good deal of dry and sunny weather. However, winds may strengthen again across the Hebrides later in the day, with gusts around 50mph possible.