Britain prepares for a ‘shock to the system’ as Met Office warns of -5C temperatures with heavy rain, strong winds and even SNOW on the way
Parts of Britain have enjoyed excellent weather conditions at certain times of the year, with glorious spring sunshine and temperatures above 20C (68F) in recent weeks.
But conditions are about to change dramatically following the early arrival of spring in the country, with forecasters warning of colder and wetter weather later this week.
The Met Office said Wednesday would be a ‘shock to the system’ as the mercury dropped to as low as -5C (23F) with the possibility of heavy rain, strong winds, frost and even snow.
It comes after the UK recorded its hottest day of the year so far last week; Thermometers reached 20.9C (69.6F) at Gogerddan in Wales on March 18.
Conditions remain good in England and Wales today with hazy sunshine, while Scotland will experience rain and strengthening winds with possible coastal storms.
Tomorrow is expected to be rainy and windy for many parts of the country; Heavy and persistent rain is expected, especially in parts of northern England and Wales.
Windy showers will move into Scotland and Northern Ireland; Forecasters expect hail and thunder, as well as wintry showers in higher elevations.
Significant cold will be felt across the UK on Wednesday; Widespread rain, sleet and hail showers are expected and snow is expected at higher elevations in the North.
People pose for photos under the cherry blossom tree in St James’s Park in London today
Misty sunlight over the Grand Union Canal in Denham, Buckinghamshire this morning
A cyclist travels on a dull morning in the Oxfordshire countryside in Dunsden today
Conditions elsewhere will be blustery and cold due to wind chill, but there will also be some sunshine.
Temperatures will drop overnight – potentially down to -5C in rural Scotland – with widespread frost expected in most areas and icy conditions in the North on Thursday morning.
Most parts will remain dry with sunny skies on Thursday, but clouds and rain are then expected over Northern Ireland and western parts of Britain.
Temperatures are expected to approach averages from Friday, but forecasters said more weather systems could affect northern areas this weekend.
Met Office deputy chief forecaster Steven Keates said: ‘Following mild and bright weather, the UK will become increasingly unsettled over the coming days.
‘A range of weather conditions will bring intermittent rain, strong winds and much colder weather through mid-week. ‘Wednesday could be a big shock to the system.’
Mr Keates added that temperatures will range from 6C (43F) to 10C (50F) but conditions will feel ‘closer to the low single figures for many windy areas’.
He continued: ‘Showers are expected, especially in the higher elevations in the north, and a widespread frost is possible on Wednesday night, with some icing.
‘The weather is expected to be a little milder by the end of the week; ‘There will be rain again in many regions on Friday.’
