Key Highlights
- The UK has experienced a deep freeze with widespread frosts and heavy snow.
- A ridge of high pressure brought Arctic air to the UK, setting new November minimum temperature records in some areas.
- Milder air is expected this weekend as rain moves in from the Atlantic, bringing an end to the cold snap.
- The weather will be unsettled but milder next week with several areas of low pressure expected to bring rain and showers across the UK.
End of Bitter Cold: Weekend Brings Milder Air and Rain
When will the biting cold come to an end? The United Kingdom has been enduring a prolonged period of bitter cold, with widespread frosts and heavy snow in many areas. This harsh winter weather was triggered by a ridge of high pressure over the mid-Atlantic, which sent Arctic air surging into the UK on northerly winds.
Record-Breaking Cold
The extreme chill has been felt from Scotland to southern England, with temperatures plummeting to -12.6C (9.3F) at Tomintoul in Highland, marking the coldest November night in 15 years for that region. It’s not just nighttime temperatures; during daylight hours as well, temperatures have been well below average, creating a persistent chill that has disrupted daily life.
Weather Whiplash
In the midst of this cold spell, there was an unexpected weather event. On Bonfire Night (5 November), Chivenor in Devon recorded 14.8C, setting a new warmest record for the date and marking a stark contrast to the overall cold pattern.
Upcoming Changes
Starting this weekend, the UK will experience a change in weather as milder air moves in from the Atlantic, bringing rain and cloud coverage. Friday night will see widespread frost, with temperatures potentially dropping to -5C in rural southern England. By Saturday morning, most places will be free of frost.
Wet Weekend Predicted
Saturday starts off wet for Wales, north, and west England, with rain moving east throughout the day. South-westerly winds are expected to strengthen, bringing relatively strong gusts (40-50mph) along Channel coasts. In contrast, Scotland and Northern Ireland will see brighter weather, though they might experience one or two showers.
Temperature Trends
The cold snap is not expected to last long. By Sunday, temperatures in western areas will still be below average but slightly higher than recent days. Highs in the south and west are forecasted to reach 8-12C, while northern and eastern regions may only see highs of 5-9C. Any frost is expected to be limited to north-east Scotland.
Outlook for Next Week
The unsettled weather pattern will continue into next week as several areas of low pressure bring rain and showers across the UK. Winds are likely to remain strong, especially along western coasts where gusts may reach 50-60mph. Despite the change in temperature trends, November averages should be largely met by Thursday, with highs reaching 8-11C.
Stay tuned for further updates as we navigate through this challenging weather period. The UK’s Met Office will continue to monitor these conditions and provide accurate forecasts to help you plan your day-to-day activities.
