Oldham Weather Forecast: Cool, Showery Conditions Continue Before a Gradual Warm-Up (14–17 May
The next few days will see cool and unsettled weather across the region, with the latest Oldham Weather Forecast predicting this will continue for a couple of more days before things pick up a tad on the next few days. The weather will remain unsettled with additional showers continuing before drier weather gently eases. While a few residents have been hoping for warmer spring weather, the weather pattern still favours cooler air to flow across North West England. There will be breaks of sunshine between showers and pleasant periods of sunshine for the short periods when the wind abates during the day. Temperatures may significantly rise next week, with more and more indications. At this stage, however, there is moderate confidence in the forecasts, and it is too early to determine if a period of warm weather will persist.
Oldham Weather Forecast at a Glance
|
Day |
Conditions |
High |
Low |
Rain Chance |
Wind |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Thursday |
Sunny spells with heavy showers |
13°C |
5°C |
70% |
NW 25 mph |
|
Friday |
Brighter and mainly dry |
14°C |
3°C |
20% |
W 20 mph |
|
Saturday |
Chilly start, sunshine developing |
14°C |
7°C |
20% |
Light W |
|
Sunday |
Cloudier with scattered showers |
16°C |
7°C |
40% |
W 20 mph |
Weather Highlights
Thursday Weather Forecast
Thursday will be another unsettled day that has characterised much of the week. Some bright spells will get through the day, but this will be broken up by scattered showers, a few of which may be heavy in the afternoon. A small chance of hail and isolated thunderstorms also exists with the heaviest showers. Cooler than the temperature indicates, thanks to fresh northwesterly winds. The Oldham Weather Forecast says temperatures will be around 13°C this afternoon, but overnight lows could drop to 5°C with clear skies. The weather is likely to be turning rapidly during the day, given the hot weather and showers of fresh winds. Those who go outside should be ready for a sudden downpour, especially in the afternoon when showers are forecast to pick up in activity. Roads may be briefly wet and slippery in heavier bursts whilst exposed areas might be especially cold due to the strong northwesterly breeze.

Friday Weather Forecast
Friday is a welcome improvement with the area of low pressure that brought some showers slowly moving out of the area. Dry with plenty of sunshine and cloud most of the day. Showers are possible in a few isolated locations, especially in the eastern regions, but will not occur in many other areas. Saturday morning will be chilly with clear skies overnight bringing a drop in temp. There could even be a small amount of ground frost in some rural areas. Climate Outlook Centre Oldham predicts day temperatures will be around 14°C and there will be lighter winds, making it more comfortable than in the previous few days. Friday should be a better day to travel or be outdoors than Thursday as the weather is getting better. Sunshine could increase in the middle of the day, but temperatures will remain mild. Those who venture out early in the morning should expect a markedly cooler start, particularly in sheltered and rural parts of the Oldham area.
Weekend Weather Outlook
Weather will be a little cooler than normal for the season but will be better this weekend.
Saturday
Saturday will be the nicest day for the week. Following an early morning that was cold and showery, bright sunshine will develop during the morning, under the influence of a weak area of high pressure. Winds will be lighter with this, giving more of a feel to the temperatures remaining in the high 14s and around, which will be noticeably warmer. In the afternoon, areas of low cloud (fair weather) gradually build up, and an isolated shower is possible later in the afternoon as cloud increases from the west. In general, the best and longest dry weather is expected Saturday in the forecast period. However, due to lighter winds and sunshine, it will be a lot more pleasant than the cooler conditions of the past week. In the mornings it may still be cold, but as the morning progresses and the sun comes out, outdoor activities will become more comfortable.
Sunday
More of a change is in the forecast for Sunday as another weather system moves in from the west. During the morning it will grow cloudier, and there will be the risk of scattered showers throughout the day. Nevertheless, temperatures will rise slightly to approximately **16°C** due to an increase in the westerly wind. The Oldham Weather Forecast says that there should still be lots of sunny spells in between the showers, especially in the afternoon. This could therefore make the weather seem cooler than it was on Saturday, although the cloud and shower threat is now greater. Rainfall is not likely to be prolonged, and to allow for short walks or other out-of-the-door activities, some dry periods will be available. Later in the day, the winds could also increase as the approaching weather system slowly affects wind conditions in the area.
Rainfall and Temperature Trends
In recent times, rain has been welcome following an earlier dry spring which reduced soil moisture. Showers will persist for the next few days, but will be less persistent than in the previous days. Temperatures remain below normal for mid-May but should slowly improve as warmer southerly air slowly creeps in. The Oldham Weather Forecast is still saying the coolest of conditions have now started to ease. This will be more evident during the afternoon with the longer periods of sunshine, when the temperature will gradually change. However, overnight temperatures can be cold as the skies will be clear, allowing temperatures to fall rapidly. The cool mornings and warm afternoons contrast will continue into more stable late-spring weather likely for the region.
Looking Ahead
Confidence goes up on continued rising temperatures in the second half of next week. High pressure will become stronger over the south of the UK with lower pressure further north. This will most likely bring a mix of sunshine, some showers and breezy weather to Oldham. In some forecast models, the temperature may even reach **20°C** at the end of the month. This is hopeful for those who are hoping for a hot summer, but it is too early to be sure. The Oldham Weather Forecast for now is looking towards a more gradual rather than sudden switch to summer-like heat. The next week or two may then see an increase in the break from the cooler conditions in the region. With warmer air in place, daytime temperatures may be significantly higher than this week. But the weather will still shift at this distance, so people should remain vigilant on the latest forecast before making the final decision on outdoor activities at the close of this month.

Outdoor Conditions
There will be some opportunities to enjoy the outdoors despite the cooler weather over the next few days. Saturday is the best day for long spells of sunshine and is perfect for walks, gardening and family outings. Mornings will still be cold, though, so another layer might be necessary early in the day. The UV index is moderate to high during May even when temperatures are cool, when the Sun is present. If extended outdoors, sunscreen is recommended. Saturday is useful for gardeners as it is when the winds are not as strong and the periods of dry are longer. However, walkers and families should still be mindful that it can quickly change. Particularly on Thursday and Sunday when showers are more likely. Despite the unsettled weather conditions, outdoor plans should be easier with comfortable clothing, a light waterproof layer and appropriate footwear.
Forecast Summary
The Oldham Weather Forecast predicts a weather pattern of mixed conditions that will gradually improve over the next few days. Heavy showers continue Thursday, while Friday is drier with the passage of low pressure. The best weather of the period is on Saturday with brighter skies and lighter winds before cloud and showers come back on Sunday. Looking further ahead, there is increasing confidence that temperatures will continue to increase next week as more typical late-spring conditions return and perhaps the first taste of truly warm weather later in the month.
