Get you up to speed: Britain braced for ‘cold snap’ with rain and temperatures dropping to single digits
Following a warm spell, the Met Office forecasts a significant temperature drop across Britain, with conditions turning colder and wetter this week.
Met Office meteorologist Greg Dewhurst warned that temperatures could fall to single figures across much of the UK by Wednesday, following an unseasonably warm spell.
From Wednesday, the Met Office warns of a significant temperature drop across the UK, with mid-teens in southern England before colder conditions set in.
What we know so far
Britain’s early spring warm spell is set to abruptly end with rain and colder temperatures forecasted for this week. Following a period of unusually high temperatures, much of the country will experience a stark drop, with the mercury returning to single figures.
Meteorologist Greg Dewhurst confirmed that a new weather system approaching from the northwest will lead to colder conditions across the UK. He noted, “Wet weather continues to spread south and eastwards through Tuesday,” with wintry showers expected, particularly in northern regions.
From Monday, temperatures will significantly decrease, with forecasters suggesting a “shock to the system” for many after the recent warmth. Alex Deakin highlighted that temperatures by Wednesday could plunge to single digits, with the most extreme cold likely to hit on Wednesday night.
This change in weather not only marks a return to average conditions for this time of year but also raises concerns regarding public health, particularly for those with respiratory issues. As conditions worsen, it may pose risks for millions vulnerable to respiratory complications due to damp and cold weather.
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Britain set for ‘cold plunge’ as rain and single-digit temperatures return | News UK
Britain’s early spring warm spell is set to come to an abrupt end this week with the arrival of rain and colder temperatures.
Much of the country will see the mercury return to single figures after an unusually dry and sunny interlude to March.
An early heatwave saw temperatures rise as high as 20C last week in parts.
Scotland had its hottest day of the year so far on Friday, with a high of 20.2C recorded at Fyvie Castle in Aberdeenshire.
But it may be too early to put away the winter coats as the country is set to experience a ‘cold plunge’, the Met Office has said.
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From Monday, colder air and winds will see temperatures fall along with some showers towards the middle of the week and even possibly snow in Scotland.
Meteorologist Greg Dewhurst said a new weather system coming in from the north west would turn conditions colder for most.
But he added that temperatures would stay in the mid teens for the vast majority of southern England until Wednesday.
He said: ‘Wet weather continues to spread south and eastwards through Tuesday.
‘Colder weather moving in from Wednesday. A notable drop in temperatures, wintry showers, particularly across the north of the UK and staying chilly into Thursday as well but a little drier.’
Forecaster Alex Deakin said conditions would return to around average for the time of year later this week, Sky News reported.
But he added that the drop could be a ‘shock to the system’ for some after the warm spell.
He said: ‘Temperatures by Wednesday (will be) single digits for many, and that’s the max, so it’s going to get cold at night.
‘Probably the peak of that cold will be on Wednesday night, that’s when the cold plunge really comes in.’