The United Kingdom has recorded its coldest May night in half a decade, with temperatures falling to minus 6.1 degrees Celsius, according to the Met Office. This sharp drop follows a period of unseasonably warm weather, with highs exceeding 25C just last week. While conditions are anticipated to warm up later in the week, forecasters are also warning of potential thunderstorms.
Frosty Morning Across Northern Regions
Residents in Scotland, parts of northern England, and Northern Ireland awoke to a frost on Wednesday morning. The lowest temperature was recorded in Altnaharra in the Scottish Highlands, but sub-zero readings were also noted in Shap, Cumbria, and Castlederg, County Tyrone, Northern Ireland.
Wednesday's Forecast
The Met Office indicated that Wednesday would feel considerably cooler, though many areas would experience dry and bright conditions. Forecaster Alex Burkill mentioned that there would likely be some rain outbreaks in Wales, south-west England, and western Scotland. He added, "There’s actually going to be a lot of dry weather around and even some brightness, some sunshine breaking through the cloud albeit it’s not going to be anywhere near as sunny as it was through much of last week."
Burkill attributed the temperature drop to colder air plunging down from the north. He noted that Tuesday was already chilly in the north for the time of year, and temperatures would be a few degrees lower further south as well, with highs of around 15C or 16C at best—slightly below the seasonal average.
Temperature Swing from Last Week
Temperatures have tumbled since Friday, when a high of 25.4C was recorded at both Heathrow Airport and Kew Gardens in London, making parts of southern England hotter than Tenerife. However, the mercury is expected to rise again towards Saturday, with highs of 22C forecast in London and parts of southern England.
Unsettled Weather Ahead
The Met Office predicts that the weather will remain largely dry for many towards the weekend, but conditions are set to become more unsettled and windy thereafter. As low pressure builds, there is an increasing chance of heavy showers and longer spells of rain, with thunderstorms possible on Saturday.
