Met Office Weather Maps Reveal Incoming Arctic Blast to Bring Cold Snap
As we transition from an unusually warm autumn, brace yourself for a significant drop in temperatures as Arctic winds sweep across the UK. The Met Office forecasts clearer skies following several gloomy days, marking the onset of chillier weather. By the weekend’s conclusion, a return to more typical November temperatures is expected, with frosty nights ahead, particularly in northern Wales, the north of the country, and Scotland on Tuesday night.
Heading into the weekend, expect even lower temperatures as northerly winds intensify from Saturday onwards. While snow is predicted to fall on the Scottish Highlands early next week, chances of snow in southern regions are minimal, as per Met Office meteorologist Zoe Hutin. She elaborated on the cooling trend, attributing it to clear skies allowing sunlight and northerly winds carrying cold air over the British Isles.
Although snow may make an appearance from the weekend onwards, it is within expected levels for this time of year. Recent weeks have seen a lack of significant temperature fluctuations due to a persistent high-pressure system, resulting in a prolonged period of dull and chilly conditions rather than extreme cold. Referred to as “anticyclonic gloom” by forecasters, this phenomenon has limited sunshine, with the UK averaging only three hours of sunlight over a seven-day period up to last Thursday.
The Met Office’s outlook for Wales from Thursday to Saturday indicates increasing cloud cover with a mix of sunny intervals and sporadic rainfall. Saturday will bring colder temperatures and stronger breezes, accompanied by showers moving southward and ushering in northerly winds. Weather maps depict temperature variations from Saturday through Monday, highlighting the increasing cold snap.
Looking ahead to mid-November, the Met Office foresees a shift towards unsettled and notably colder conditions with the probable establishment of low pressure to the east of the UK bringing rain or showers across most regions. The heaviest rainfall, likely turning wintry, is anticipated in northern areas, potentially reaching lower levels as colder air moves south. While widespread disruptive snowfall remains unlikely, southern regions may experience dry and fine weather, albeit windy conditions.
Forecaster Derek Brockway of BBC Wales projects continued dry and settled weather in the coming week, paving the way for more sunshine and colder nights with ground frost. Sparse morning mist or fog patches may occur, with intermittent cloudy spells and minimal rain or drizzle. Expect a shift towards more unpredictable weather over the weekend and a definitive cooling trend in the week ahead.
Amidst these meteorological movements, forecasters advise preparedness for varying weather conditions, including lower than average temperatures and potential gale-force winds. While snowfall may be limited to specific regions, overall, the focus is on a general cooling trend across the UK as we head into the heart of winter. Stay tuned for further updates from the Met Office to navigate the changing weather landscape as we transition into a colder climate.