The UK is set to experience a significant drop in temperatures next week as a wave of Arctic air moves south.
The cold front will bring widespread frosts, bitter winds, and possibly snow in some regions. This shift towards colder weather will start over the weekend as a cold front advances, introducing a chilly Arctic air mass.
Temperatures are expected to plunge as Arctic air, driven by northerly winds, establishes itself across the country. The cold spell comes as a result of a high-pressure system forming over Greenland, pushing cold air from the north into the UK. While the arrival of this air mass in late November will bring notable cold for the time of year, conditions would be even harsher if this system had developed in midwinter when Arctic temperatures are at their lowest.
As the cold air descends, northern Scotland will be the first to experience wintry showers. Coastal areas may see rain and sleet, but snowfall is expected to settle on higher ground, potentially causing localized disruptions. However, as the ground is not yet as cold as it would be in the heart of winter, snow may struggle to settle on roads, although colder grassy areas could see more significant accumulation.
Elsewhere, many inland regions across the UK are likely to have dry and frosty mornings with periods of sunshine. Showers will be more frequent in Northern Ireland and along the coastlines of England and Wales. These will include a mix of rain, sleet, and even hail, particularly in areas exposed to the bitter northerly winds.
Meteorologists are monitoring a developing low-pressure system that is expected to pass across Northern Ireland, England, and Wales on Monday night into Tuesday. On the south side of this system, wet and windy weather will prevail. However, on the north side, colder air may combine with precipitation to produce heavy snowfall, especially over elevated areas. The exact impact depends on the low-pressure system’s trajectory, the intensity of the precipitation, and the altitude of affected regions. Forecasting these details remains challenging, and uncertainty will persist until closer to the event.
The duration of this cold spell is projected to be about a week, with a possible second low-pressure system arriving later in the week. This could bring additional snowfall to southern parts of the UK, although confidence in this forecast remains low at this range. Meteorologists will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as the weather pattern evolves.
Fortunately, milder Atlantic air is expected to return just in time for the official start of winter, easing the cold conditions. Until then, the UK should brace itself for a sharp taste of Arctic weather, complete with frosty mornings and the possibility of snow.