[N]ext week we’ll see a change to colder weather across the UK, with chilly days, frosty nights and snow for some.
An arctic maritime airmass will spread southwards across the whole country early next week which will come as quite a shock. Spring has been dry and relatively warm so far with the UK mean temperature for the first half of April 1.1 °C above the long term average.
The weekend will bring a lot of settled and dry weather, with daytime maximum temperatures generally above the UK April average. Temperatures in the north will reach around 10-12 °C, while in the south they are likely to reach 15-17 °C. However, the nights will be chilly, especially across the north, with a risk of frost which could catch out some farmers and gardeners.
Later in the weekend a developing area of low pressure will approach northern Scotland, bringing a spell of wet and windy weather here with a risk of severe gales over coasts and hills on Sunday night and into Monday. As this area of low pressure pulls away into the North Sea a push of cold arctic air will follow leading to a marked change of weather for all parts with frosts becoming much more widespread overnight.
Steve Ramsdale, Chief meteorologist said; “As well as a noticeable change in temperatures on Monday, the cold air will also bring wintry showers to many parts as it filters southwards across the UK.”
In the north showers will bring a mix sleet, snow and hail, which could be seen at low levels and lead to some temporary accumulations overnight as temperatures drop. Between the showers there will be spells of sunshine, so during the day any sleet or snow is unlikely to settle for long before it melts. In the south whilst some wintry showers are expected, lying snow looks unlikely. The cold feel across the UK will be accentuated by the wind.
