The UK has entered a “colder phase” of weather, with temperatures expected to plummet to minus 6C in some parts of the country overnight, the Met Office said.
Forecasters have warned of a “very cold night” on Friday before a chilly start to the weekend. Overnight temperatures as low as minus 4C to minus 6C are expected for some, with another frosty start likely in the morning.
Weekend outlook
Saturday will bring slightly warmer but unsettled weather, with heavy rain and showers moving in from the west, and the potential for snow in north-west Scotland.
Met Office chief forecaster Chris Bulmer said: “The UK forecast has moved to a colder phase with the daytime temperatures for most locations likely to stay in single figures.”
“Overnight temperatures on Friday night will dip again to minus four or even minus 6C in some locations, meaning another significant ground frost for many locations.”
Coldest night of the season
Friday brought the first widespread frost of autumn after the UK experienced its coldest night of the season so far on Thursday. An overnight temperature of minus 6.6C was recorded in Sennybridge, near Brecon in south Wales, while Shap, a village near Penrith in Cumbria, recorded a low of minus 6.5C.
Over the weekend, the cold weather will give way to milder conditions with temperatures expected to stay above freezing on Sunday morning. Rain is likely for Northern Ireland and parts of northern England, but a more mixed picture is expected in the south – a dry and bright day for some and showers for others.
Health alert issued
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) issued its first yellow cold health alert of the season this week, covering the North West and West Midlands. The warning came into effect at 9am on Thursday and is in place until noon on Saturday.
Met Office deputy chief forecaster Steven Keates said: “The outlook is changeable with spells of rain, sleet and some hill snow.”
“On Sunday, low pressure will bring rain or showers to many areas. Precipitation will be most persistent across northern Scotland, where there is an increasing chance of snow developing later in the day. This will mainly fall over high ground, where accumulations are likely, but some snow could fall to lower levels too. Ice may also become a hazard.”
The agency said the colder weather can lead to the increased use of healthcare services and greater risk to life for vulnerable people. Dr Anya Gopfert, consultant in public health at UKHSA, said: “This is the first cold-health alert of the winter, but we can expect more as we move further into the season.”
“Cold weather can have a serious impact on the health of some people, including those aged 65 and over and those with pre-existing health conditions, so it is vital to check in on friends, family and neighbours who are most vulnerable.” Dr Gopfert said heating homes and dressing warmly can help people stay safe during the cold weather.
