The United Kingdom is preparing for a dramatic temperature drop as freezing Arctic air sweeps across the nation, bringing the coldest conditions experienced since March and creating fresh challenges for emergency services still dealing with Storm Claudia's aftermath.
Record-breaking cold snap grips Britain
Temperatures plummeted to -7°C in Tulloch Bridge in the Scottish Highlands on Saturday night, marking the lowest reading since March 20 according to Met Office records. This significant temperature drop comes after a period of unusually warm weather, with the first ten days of November ranking as the warmest on record for this time of year.
Met Office deputy chief meteorologist Dan Holley explained the weather shift: 'As Storm Claudia retreats to the south, high pressure to the north-west will drive a cold northerly flow from the Arctic across the UK. This will bring much colder conditions than of late and, whilst generally drier than recent days, there will also be a risk of wintry hazards, such as snow and ice.'
Widespread frost and freezing temperatures expected
Monday morning began with temperatures of -1°C in Glasgow and between 3°C and 4°C from Manchester down to England's south coast. Despite the frosty start, most areas experienced a dry day with winter sunshine, though showers persisted in the far north.
Forecasters are predicting a 'widespread frost' across the UK into Tuesday morning, with icy patches expected in many regions. The cold spell shows no signs of relenting as the week progresses, with early rain and snow anticipated to clear on Wednesday, leaving very cold northerly winds, sunshine, wintry showers, and overnight frost and ice.
Storm Claudia's legacy and ongoing impacts
While the Arctic blasts helped keep Storm Claudia - which drenched much of England and Wales - away from Scotland, it brought some of the first snowfalls since last winter. Inverness received a dusting of snow over the weekend, with more snowfall expected in the Highlands from early Tuesday morning.
Met Office meteorologist Honor Criswick confirmed that the 'cold weather is here to stay', noting that weather warnings might be imposed this week. She warned: 'Winds will really be picking up as we head through into Tuesday, so some very blustery if not blizzard conditions where we do see some outbreaks of snow. Highs reaching between 7 to 4°C as we move our way from west to east. But adding on that wind-chill, it's going to feel more like freezing.'
By Thursday night, thermometers are predicted to dip below freezing in Manchester and parts of Scotland, with temperatures potentially dropping as low as -7°C in some areas. The combination of brisk northerly winds will create a significant wind chill effect, making conditions feel even colder than the actual temperatures indicate.
This cold snap represents a notable change from the prolonged spell of above-average temperatures that characterised early November, when average temperatures reached nearly 11°C - approximately 4.3°C above the long-term average.
