Temperatures are set to plunge across the UK this week after a period of mild autumn weather, according to the latest forecast. The mercury exceeded 20°C near Exeter, Devon, and in Hereford on Tuesday, but cooler conditions are now expected to take hold.
Rain and cooler air moving in
A band of rain is set to sweep eastwards across the UK, with heavy rain expected to hit parts of the Northwest of England. Forecasts suggest temperatures will drop afterwards, with daytime lows of 11°C forecast on Wednesday. Even across the Southeast of England, the mercury is unlikely to exceed 15°C at the end of the week.
Rain this week could be thundery, particularly across northern regions, according to forecasts. The Met Office said: "Winds fall lighter as a band of rain slowly moves south across the country. Cooler air moves in by Friday, with largely dry and bright weather for the weekend."
Weekend outlook and long-range forecast
Friday is expected to turn brighter, with sunny spells and a chance of a few isolated showers, followed by a largely dry and bright Saturday. Temperatures in London highlight the extent of the shift, with highs of approximately 21°C on Tuesday before plummeting to around 15°C by Friday.
In its long-range outlook for October 17 to October 26, the Met Office added: "High pressure is expected to lie close to or across the UK through much of this period. This will mean largely fine and dry weather for many, perhaps with some overnight mist and fog patches. Weak frontal systems could bring some rain at times, and if this happens, it is most likely in the far south or perhaps the far north of the UK. Winds are expected to be mostly light."
Chilly mornings but snow unlikely
The Met Office confirmed that, while it will be chilly with frosty mornings, snow is highly unlikely anytime soon. This is despite a looming stratospheric polar vortex, which is expected to herald a change in conditions. This cold spell arrives as the Met Office forecasts high pressure will linger close to the UK throughout much of the latter half of October, delivering largely settled conditions but a growing likelihood of chilly and frosty mornings.
