Kasia Dietz
Updated on: October 11, 2024 4:19 am GMT
The UK is set to experience a transformative weather weekend, moving away from an unseasonably cold spell with Arctic air and frosty nights to a milder forecast that may bring relief to many across the nation. After a chilling Thursday that saw overnight temperatures dip below freezing, conditions are expected to moderate, with many areas anticipating temperatures rising into the high teens or even 20 degrees Celsius (68 degrees Fahrenheit) by early next week.
Cold Temperatures Across the UK
The recent Arctic air mass brought unseasonable cold to all four UK nations. On Thursday night, cities and towns across the country registered temperatures below zero degrees Celsius. The coldest recorded temperature was in Topcliffe, North Yorkshire, where the mercury plummeted to an unusually low -2.7 degrees Celsius (27 degrees Fahrenheit). The Met Office reported widespread frost across the regions, marking the earliest frost in southern Wales since 2019.
Weather Forecast for the Weekend
Meteorologists predict an upcoming shift in weather patterns as milder air moves in from the southwest. Sky weather producer Joanna Robinson noted, “A northerly flow brought a chilly few days, and it was especially cold on Thursday night. However, this weekend will see milder temperatures as the northerly flow gets cut off.”
With favorable conditions expected, many will benefit from fine, dry weather, particularly in the south, where temperatures could reach between 16 to 20 degrees Celsius. Northern Scotland, however, may still experience wind and rain on Saturday due to an area of low pressure in the North West.
*Snow covers the higher peaks of Scotland, signaling the transition to autumn.*
Further Meteorological Insights
According to the Met Office chief meteorologist Jason Kelly, the current cold spell will likely give way to warmer conditions over the weekend and into next week. “High pressure will bring fine weather to the South,” he explained. “However, there will be rain and thicker cloud across Scotland and Northern Ireland, especially on Saturday.”
Looking further ahead, temperatures are forecasted to rise again next week, with parts of the North experiencing highs in the late teens and the South possibly reaching low 20s Celsius by Tuesday. This shift marks a stark contrast to the previous chilly conditions.
Autumn’s First Snow in Scotland
In a notable development, mountain regions in Scotland have already witnessed their first snowfall of the season. Areas such as the Cairngorms, Glen Coe, and Lochaber are reporting wintry conditions, typical during this time of year as seasons change. BBC Weather highlighted that snow on higher peaks is not uncommon in September, especially as colder air masses become more prevalent.
Impending Weather Challenges in Europe
While the UK prepares for a transition into milder weather, central Europe faces more severe weather threats. Heavy rain and severe thunderstorms are on the horizon, prompting rare red weather warnings in several regions. Areas most at risk include southern Poland, Austria, the Czech Republic, western Hungary, and Slovakia, where extreme rainfall could reach up to 300mm (approximately 12 inches), presenting serious flooding risks.
Robinson warned of “once in a century” flooding possibilities, raising concerns about the impact of heavy rain combined with significant snow accumulations in the Alps.
Final Outlook for the UK’s Weather
As the weekend approaches, UK residents can expect a notable improvement in weather conditions compared to the recent chill. While temperatures are set to rise and many areas will enjoy dry spells, particularly in the south, the North may continue to experience sporadic rain. The warmer conditions anticipated in the coming week could provide a refreshing reprieve from the early fall chill.
To get the latest weather updates for your area, you can check the Met Office or your local weather service. They will help you stay informed as the weather changes.
