Snow and below-freezing temperatures are set to hit parts of the UK following days of spring sunshine. Heavy rain, strong winds, sleet and hail are also expected to engulf some areas as unsettled weather spreads across the country.
After the UK recorded its warmest day of the year so far last week, reaching 20.9C in Wales on Wednesday, the Met Office warns temperatures will fall this week, bringing the risk of frost and ice. Deputy chief forecaster Steven Keates said: “After a spell of mild and brighter weather, the UK will turn increasingly unsettled. A series of weather fronts will bring periods of rain, strong winds and much colder air by midweek. Wednesday could be quite a shock to the system.”
Temperatures will range from 6C to 10C, but it will feel closer to low single figures in the wind. Wintry showers are likely, especially over higher ground in the north, and a widespread frost with icy patches is possible on Wednesday night. Met Office meteorologist Honor Criswick added: “Some showers will be heavy with hail and thunder, and may bring some snow to modest hills, with small accumulations likely.”
Tuesday looks wet and windy for many, with heavy persistent rain across parts of northern England and Wales, and blustery showers moving into Scotland and Northern Ireland. By Wednesday, it will feel markedly colder across all parts, with potentially widespread rain, sleet and hail showers, and snow likely over higher ground in the north. Temperatures could fall to as low as -5C in rural Scotland on Wednesday night, with a widespread frost likely.
Most places are forecast to remain dry with sunny spells on Thursday, although clouds and rain will push into Northern Ireland and western parts later. Temperatures return closer to average from Friday onwards, though further weather systems may impact the UK at the weekend, most likely affecting northern areas.
