Britain is set for a sharp taste of winter this week, with temperatures forecast to plunge dramatically across parts of the country. A significant cold snap will see the mercury drop by as much as nine degrees Celsius within a single day.
Dramatic Drop Brings First Severe Frost
The most intense cold will be felt across southern England on Tuesday night, where thermometers are predicted to fall below -1°C. This sudden freeze will lead to widespread frosts by Wednesday morning, prompting warnings for motorists to prepare for icy conditions and have their ice scrapers ready.
A Nation Divided: Freezing South, Milder North
While the south shivers, a notable north-south split will characterise the overnight conditions. Forecasts indicate that central regions will hover just above zero, and parts of Scotland could see comparatively mild peaks of around 6°C. However, the cold spell is still expected to bring wintry showers to higher ground in the north and Scotland between Wednesday and Friday, with some snowfall predicted.
Unsettled Week with Rain and Wind
Met Office forecaster Annie Shuttleworth stated that the weather would remain "relatively unsettled" for much of the week, despite some sunshine on Tuesday. This means further spells of wet and windy weather are on the cards. The Met Office has issued a Yellow weather warning for rain across South Wales and Southwest England for Wednesday, where heavy downpours could cause travel disruption and potential flooding.
The abrupt shift marks the arrival of a genuine winter chill, disrupting the previously milder pattern and signalling a need for the public to take necessary precautions on the roads and against the cold.
