Snow Forecast for UK Following Unseasonably Warm Weather
Britons are bracing for a stark return to wintry conditions, with the Met Office warning of potential snow in parts of the UK just days after the country experienced its warmest day of the year so far. This dramatic shift comes after much of the nation enjoyed balmy weather earlier this week, with temperatures peaking at around 20 degrees Celsius on Wednesday.
Temperature Plunge Expected from Sunday
Forecasters have indicated that the recent warmth has peaked for now, with temperatures set to plummet dramatically from Sunday onwards. By Wednesday, maximum temperatures are expected to fall to single digits for many areas, heralding a cold snap that will feel particularly jarring following the recent sunshine.
The Met Office has stated that temperatures will hover at or slightly below average for this time of year, accompanied by frequent showers and blustery winds across the country.
Met Office Meteorologist Details "Cold Plunge"
Met Office meteorologist Alex Deakin explained that Wednesday will signal what he described as a "cold plunge" across the UK. This is particularly notable for Scotland, which recorded its warmest day of the year on Friday with a peak of 20.2 degrees Celsius at Fyvie Castle in Aberdeenshire.
"If we look at the temperature profile for the next few days, then we really notice that difference by the time we get to Wednesday," Deakin said. "Temperatures by Wednesday will be single digits for many, and that's the maximum, so it's going to get cold at night. Probably the peak of that cold will be on Wednesday night, that's when the cold plunge really comes in."
Snow Expected in Northern Scotland
Parts of northern Scotland could see snow on Wednesday night and into Thursday morning, which Deakin described as likely to be a "shock to the system" after the fine weather enjoyed by many this week.
"We could easily see some snow over the hills in Scotland," he noted. "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."
While rain and wind are expected to ease later in the week, temperatures are likely to remain cool with the potential for overnight frost in some areas, according to the latest Met Office predictions.
Five-Day Weather Forecast Overview
Today: Areas of low cloud, mist and fog will gradually lift to leave a mainly dry day with plenty of sunshine. However, thicker cloud will affect central, northern and western parts of Scotland giving patchy rain. Feeling warm in the sunshine.
Tonight: Turning cloudy and breezy across Scotland and Northern Ireland overnight. Some rain, especially towards the north and west. Clearer elsewhere, with patchy frost and some low cloud and fog returning.
Sunday: Patchy rain will move southeastwards across the UK. Some sunshine developing across southern England after a locally foggy start. Brighter, colder weather arriving in the northwest, with some blustery showers.
Outlook for Monday to Wednesday: Turning wet and windy in the north on Monday. Elsewhere fog clearing, then bright spells. Rain clearing southeastwards on Tuesday. Cold and windy midweek with sunshine and showers, some wintry in nature.
