The UK is set to experience a sharp drop in temperatures as a cold front moves in from the north, with maps indicating a significant sub-zero blast across much of the country in the coming days.
According to a weather map by WX Charts, the cold snap is expected to hit around November 2 and to bring the season’s first widespread frost, affecting early morning temperatures across much of the UK.
The latest forecast indicates that areas in northern Scotland may see temperatures drop close to 0C or even lower, with rural and high-altitude areas particularly at risk of dipping into sub-zero conditions.
This upcoming cold spell signals a sharp contrast to the milder autumn temperatures seen in October, as winter’s bite edges closer.
Cities like Aberdeen, Inverness, and Edinburgh are expected to experience the brunt of the cold air mass.
On November 2, WX Charts predicts temperatures to be in the range of 0-3C across northern and central areas.
Some spots in Scotland and rural northern England could experience temperatures falling slightly below freezing. For major urban areas such as London, Manchester, and Birmingham, lows are expected to range between 5-7C, but early morning frost is likely in the surrounding countryside.
In its long-range forecast, covering October 31 and November 9, the Met Office acknowledged the “introduction of some colder air to many areas” at the beginning of this date range.
It said: “Following the introduction of some colder air to many areas at the start of this period, with the potential for snow showers in at least northern Scotland, high pressure looks to be the dominant feature during the first part of November.”
However, it stressed that the position and orientation of the high are uncertain at this time. These data will determine whether the UK remains “in a relatively cold air mass or whether somewhat milder conditions return”.
The forecast added: “Given the presence of high pressure, overnight frost and fog are more likely than normal, with temperatures perhaps more likely to be below average overall.
“Towards mid-November, there are hints that the high pressure may relax its grip on the UK, allowing rather more unsettled conditions to become established.”
Some forecasters believe that this could be the beginning of a colder-than-average November, with more cold snaps to follow.