Arctic winds to bring midweek cold snap and frost to UK
Those hoping for a warm and sunny May may have to wait a little longer as air movement in the Arctic is expected to cause below-average temperatures and frost in the UK.
The Meteorological Office stated that cold air coming from the north would bring a strong breeze from the north over the next few days, warning that night temperatures could drop to or even below freezing, causing unseasonal late frosts in some areas.
Daytime temperatures will hit highs of 16 to 17C on Tuesday, before falling to 13 to 14C more widely across the country, with some areas in the east struggling to even reach double digits.
The off-season turnaround comes after May began with a scorching 25.4 degrees recorded at Kew Gardens and Heathrow. Even on Saturday the UK saw higher temperatures than Madrid, with temperatures of a steady 21C recorded in the capital and some parts of the south of England.
Now, the forecaster has predicted frigid temperatures, frost on the ground, and even the potential for some showers on the highest peaks.
Met Office spokesman Grahame Madge said: “The current weather pattern is allowing cooler air from further north to move towards the UK over the next few days. This is not unusual in spring and should not present any particular difficulties. The most notable feature for most people is that temperatures appear to be below average and are likely to feel even colder in strong northern winds.”
“There may be frost at night in some places relatively late in the season, while there is a chance of showers in the Scottish Highlands. However, overall these conditions will not be effective and there is no need to issue a weather warning at this time.”
There are no weather warnings expected for this low pressure area, but some rain is expected as cold fronts move southwards across the UK. Some parts of the country may see bright weather with local heavy showers on Wednesday, and similar rain will be seen in the East on Thursday.
The weather looks a little brighter as a high pressure system moves in on Friday, with the forecaster predicting a calmer day.
It comes after the Met Office recorded the coldest May night in five years in Altnaharra last week, when temperatures dropped as low as -6.1C. Subzero conditions were also recorded in Northern Ireland’s Shap, Cumbria and Castlederg, County Tyrone.
Met Office five-day forecast
Monday
Clouds and scattered rain in central areas continue southwards, clearing the UK until the evening. Elsewhere it will be sunny, but there will be light showers for northern Scotland and the east coast of England, where it will be windy. Below average temperatures for most.
monday night
Clouds and rain move south-east across Scotland and Northern Ireland overnight. In other places, drought due to clear skies and light winds causes frost in the countryside in some places.
Tuesday
Rain in the north gradually affects the south throughout the day. Sunny weather will be followed by intermittent showers in the North and North West. Feeling cold, especially in strong northern winds.
Outlook from Wednesday to Friday
Sunny and heavy showers on Wednesday and Thursday. More ground formed on Friday with drier, brighter conditions. The cold continues throughout the region, with the risk of frost throughout the night.
