Weather forecast: Here's what to expect across the West Midlands and Staffordshire this Easter bank holiday weekend

 The Met Office says the Easter break will get off to a bright start today (April 18) but will become cloudy, with patchy rain arriving in the afternoon. It will be slightly warmer than Thursday although this will be tempered by blustery winds with a maximum daytime temperature of 16C.

Tonight will see the rain come, with outbreaks continuing for much of the night and heavy at times. It will be breezy and rather mild at all times.

Saturday is when many people will hope to head out but the outlook is damp and breezy to begin. Rain will fade during the day but it will remain largely cloudy with limited brighter spells possible in the afternoon. The maximum temperature will be 15C.

Easter Sunday will start dry with sunny interludes but then become cloudier with showers possible later. The changeable weather will continue into Monday and Tuesday with bright or sunny period interspersed with showers, which will be heavy at times.

Deputy Chief Meteorologist Steven Keates said: “The Easter weekend is set to bring changeable weather for many. Some areas may experience near dry conditions all weekend, whilst others may see heavy rain.

“We are keeping a close eye on an area of low pressure which sinks away to the south on Friday. This could bring with it some heavy, and possibly even disruptive rain for parts of southwest England, and also parts of Northern Ireland and south Wales. 

"This will bring the potential for some difficult travelling conditions, with a lot of spray on the roads, and it’s important people keep an eye on our forecast as things evolve over the coming day or so.”