The Met Office has predicted the first snowfall of late 2024 in the UK, with an “Arctic blast” set to bring temperatures below zero across parts of the country. After a mild and damp start to autumn, temperatures are expected to plummet to 3C in Wales, signalling a significant shift in the weather pattern for the week ahead. A spokesperson for the Met Office described the cold front sweeping south as introducing Arctic air, resulting in below-average temperatures nationwide.
By Thursday, Scotland is expected to reach temperatures as low as -2C in the coldest areas, while Wales will see temperatures drop to 0C. However, the Met Office anticipates a rebound in temperatures in the near future, with rain, wind, and stormy conditions expected to persist into the following week. The long-range forecast for September 14 to 21 indicates cloudy weather, outbreaks of rain, and potentially strong winds across northwestern areas, with drier and brighter conditions in southern and eastern parts.
As the wetter zone of weather moves south into central parts, showers are likely to follow in the northwest. Confidence is low for early next week, but there is a chance of rain or showers, especially in the west and northwest, before a trend towards higher pressure building towards midweek. This is expected to lead to a more blocked weather pattern thereafter. Despite a chilly start to the weekend, temperatures are forecasted to return to near-normal for mid-September, possibly even above-average in some areas from later next week.
The Met Office’s warning of snow and freezing temperatures has urged residents to prepare for the incoming cold snap, with advice to stay updated on weather forecasts and take necessary precautions to stay warm and safe during the wintry conditions. Stay tuned for further updates as the weather situation develops in the coming days.