Britain is set for a sharp return to colder weather, with snow possible in parts of Scotland just days after the UK recorded its warmest day of the year so far. Temperatures peaked at around 20C on Wednesday, but forecasters warn that a 'cold plunge' will bring single-digit highs and wintry conditions by midweek.
Met Office meteorologist Alex Deakin said Wednesday will mark a significant temperature drop, with snow likely over hills in northern Scotland on Wednesday night and into Thursday morning. 'We could easily see some snow over the hills in Scotland. Nothing unusual about that at this time of year, but it will feel different because it has been so warm and sunny for many of us over recent times, so you'll get that shock to the system,' he said.
Temperatures are expected to hover at or just below average, with frequent showers and blustery winds. The cold snap will follow a period of balmy weather, including Scotland's warmest day of the year on Friday, when a peak of 20.2C was recorded at Fyvie Castle in Aberdeenshire.
Rain and wind will ease later in the week, but temperatures are likely to remain cool, with the potential for overnight frost in some areas. Areas of low cloud, mist and fog will gradually lift to leave a mainly dry day with plenty of sunshine, though thicker cloud will affect central, northern and western parts of Scotland, bringing patchy rain.
Turning cloudy and breezy across Scotland and Northern Ireland overnight, with some rain especially towards the north and west. Clearer elsewhere, with patchy frost and some low cloud and fog returning. Patchy rain will move southeastwards across the UK, with some sunshine developing across southern England after a locally foggy start.
