The UK could be set for its “first proper feel of winter” in just a few days’ time, according to a former senior weather expert at the Met Office.
The long-range forecast for next week predicts “cold or very cold temperatures” and “organised areas of snow and rain” to hit “most if not all parts of the UK”.
But Matt Taylor, who now works as a Broadcast Meteorologist at the BBC, says a wintry blitz could hit the country as soon as next Monday (November 18).
He said a “shot of chillier air” might be felt this weekend with “even colder” Arctic temperatures likely from Tuesday onwards in a post on X.
Parts of northern England might even see snow on Monday as “air masses clash” over the region, Mr Taylor said.
Southern regions will also see a wintry start to the week, but think more “wet and windy” than winter wonderland.
Temperatures across the country are also expected to drop to as low as -9C by next Tuesday, with WXCharts suggesting that London could see 1cm of snowfall by the mid-week and a whopping 20cm possible in Cardiff around the same time.
The Met Office has forecast a patchy frost tonight with scattered showers on Saturday alongside some snow in Scotland and cooler temperatures in the north.
Tom Morgan, a meteorologist at the weather body, said next week would be characterised by a “messy mixture of rain, sleet and snow”.
He added: “If you’ve got travel plans next week, it’s worth making sure your car is all geared up for winter conditions.
“It is fairly unusual in the south. It’s quite early in the month for a cold spell such as this. At this point, anywhere in the UK has a chance of seeing snow and ice and frost by night, particularly from mid-week onwards.”
The Met Office currently forecasts the following:
Today:
A cloudy day across Scotland, Nothern Ireland and north England with some rain in the west. Drier weather for the rest of England and Wales with some sunshine and above average temperatures.
Tonight:
Higher chance of cloud and rain above Scotland, Nothern Ireland and North England. Some frost and clear spells in the south.
Saturday:
Rain will begin to move southwards across England and Wales. Cooler temperatures in the north and snow in parts of Scotland.
Outlook for Sunday to Tuesday:
Wintry showers and some sunshine in the north. Cloudy weather with outbreaks of rain elsewhere, with strong winds. Potential for snow on higher ground.
