Forecast for Exeter, England
Issued: 2026-04-04 21:53 BST
THIS EVENING, SATURDAY 4 APRIL: Temperatures will ease from around 8°C early evening to about 7°C overnight as skies shift between clear and partly cloudy. There is a forty percent chance of a brief, light shower bringing up to 0.5 mm of rain, though most of the evening will likely stay dry. Westerly winds will blow at 10 to 15 mph with gusts reaching 20 to 30 mph.
TOMORROW, SUNDAY 5 APRIL: The low will be 1°C to 3°C before the high is expected near 11°C to 11°C. Light rain is possible overnight and into the early morning, potentially adding up to 2 mm of rainfall, but skies will clear through the morning and remain dry for the afternoon. Westerly winds will ease from 10 to 15 mph down to around 5 mph by midday. There remains a forty percent chance of those early morning showers, so a damp start is possible before conditions improve.
MONDAY 6 APRIL: Clear skies will dominate the day as the low will be 7°C to 8°C and the high will reach 13°C to 13°C. Southeasterly winds will blow steadily at 5 to 15 mph, with gusts occasionally reaching 20 to 30 mph. The dry and sunny conditions will persist from morning through evening.
TUESDAY 7 APRIL: Cloud cover will be heavy overnight and into the morning before clearing to mostly sunny skies by afternoon. The low will be 8°C to 8°C, while the high is expected to climb to 15°C to 16°C. Southeasterly winds will start around 10 to 15 mph and gradually shift to northwesterlies at 5 to 10 mph as the day progresses.
WEDNESDAY 8 APRIL: A mild day will see the low be 8°C to 9°C and the high peak at 17°C to 20°C. Skies will start mostly clear but turn overcast by midday, with a high likelihood of rain arriving in the afternoon and continuing into the evening. Total rainfall is expected to reach 2 mm to 5 mm. Northwesterly winds will pick up to 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph as the rain moves in.
Existing Vulnerabilities
- The city of Exeter has a hilly and varied topography, which causes water to flow quickly downhill during intense rainfall, leading to surface water pooling in lower-lying areas.
- The River Exe is a primary flood risk factor; low-lying areas near the river, including Exeter Quay, St Thomas, Exwick, St Davids, Marsh Barton, Alphington, and Countess Wear, are particularly susceptible to river flooding.
- The National Rail line connecting the West Country to the rest of England runs alongside the River Exe and the Exe estuary, making it vulnerable to disruption from flooding or coastal surges.
Weather Impact Thresholds
- River flooding: The River Exe is prone to rising rapidly during extreme or prolonged rainfall, with specific flood warning areas designated for riverside locations including Exeter Quay and Countess Wear.
- Surface water flooding: Intense, short-duration rainfall can overwhelm local drainage, particularly in areas with steep relief like Longbrook Street, where historical flooding has caused significant property and vehicle damage.
- Coastal flooding: Locations along the Exe estuary are susceptible to flooding during high tide events, especially when combined with storm surges or heavy rainfall.
Exposed Populations and Assets
- Exeter Quay is a major tourist destination and commercial hub with numerous independent shops and businesses that are highly exposed to river flooding.
- The St Davids area and the adjacent National Rail infrastructure are critical assets that are vulnerable to both river flooding and potential transport disruption.
- Residential areas in St Thomas, Exwick, and Alphington contain significant populations living in flood-prone zones near the river.
Upcoming Events
- Good Friday Service: 03 April 2026. This event at Exeter Cathedral will draw public attendance, making weather conditions relevant for those traveling to and from the city centre.
- EASTER Fever DAY DISCO: 04 April 2026. This event at Fever Exeter will involve large numbers of people in the city centre, increasing exposure to any adverse weather.
- The Big Easter Kick-Off (Chiefs v Munster): 04 April 2026. This major sporting event at Sandy Park will attract a large crowd, making traffic and pedestrian safety sensitive to heavy rain or high winds.
- BoatFest West: 11 April 2026 – 12 April 2026. This outdoor festival at Exeter Racecourse will involve large public attendance and outdoor activities, making it highly sensitive to wind and rain impacts.
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