Snow to Blanket UK Shortly After Warmest Day of the Year

After days of balmy weather, forecasters warn of a rapid shift to colder conditions across the UK. Temperatures that reached around 20C this week are set to fall sharply from Sunday.

Forecast shift and temperature outlook

The Met Office expects a “cold plunge” by midweek, spokeswoman Alex Deakin said. Many areas should see daytime highs drop to single digits by Wednesday.

Temperatures will sit at or just below seasonal averages. Frequent showers and blustery winds are likely during the change.

Snow risk in northern areas

Snow is possible in parts of Scotland on Wednesday night and into Thursday morning. Higher ground in northern Scotland faces the greatest chance of wintry showers.

Forecasters said the wintry turn could feel like a sudden shock after recent warmth. A blanket of snow on hills would be locally likely but not widespread.

Where the warmth came from

Much of the country enjoyed unseasonably mild conditions earlier in the week. Scotland recorded its warmest reading of the year on Friday at Fyvie Castle, Aberdeenshire, with 20.2C.

Temperatures across Britain peaked at about 20C on Wednesday. Scenes such as crowds on Bournemouth beach illustrated the brief summer-like spell.

Five-day outlook

• Today: Low cloud, mist and fog will lift, leaving a largely dry day with sunshine. Central and northern Scotland will see patchier rain.
• Tonight: Scotland and Northern Ireland turn cloudier and breezier, with rain in the north and west. Elsewhere clearer skies risk patchy frost.
• Sunday: Patchy rain will move southeast. Southern England may see sunshine after local fog. The northwest will become cooler with blustery showers.
• Monday–Wednesday: Northern areas become wet and windy on Monday. Fog will clear elsewhere with bright spells. Rain clears southeast on Tuesday. Midweek stays cold and windy, with some wintry showers.

Impacts and advice

Rain and strong winds should lessen later in the week. However, cooler nights could bring overnight frost in places.

Residents and visitors are advised to prepare for a quick change in conditions. Snow could blanket higher ground in the UK shortly after the warm spell earlier this week.

Filmogaz.com will monitor updates from the Met Office as details evolve. Check local forecasts before travelling.