Chilly subzero temperatures are forecast in parts of the UK as the mercury tumbles nine degrees in the space of just 24 hours with widespread frosts expected – though some areas will stay mild
Temperatures are set to plummet across the country in just a few hours’ time as chilly winter air sweeps in, according to new forecasts.
Weather conditions on Tuesday night will be a while nine degrees colder than last night in some parts of Britain, the Met Office says, with the mercury falling below -1C in the south of England and hovering just above 0C across central areas.
Widespread frosts are also likely, with motorists likely to need the ice-scraper at the ready before they head out tomorrow morning.
Areas further to the north are meanwhile expected to stay milder overnight, peaking at around 6C in Ayrshire, Scotland into the small hours, and 3C elsewhere.
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Met Office forecaster Annie Shuttleworth said: “We are expecting a bit more of a widespread rural frost at least. Many towns and cities hovering close to zero but compared to tonight it’s going to be a much colder night.
“You can see particularly across central areas of England there’s a good nine-degree difference in the two nights.”
She added that while there would be some “sunshine to come” on Tuesday, the weather would be remaining “relatively unsettled” for much of this week.
James Madden from Exacta Weather meanwhile predicted that the cold spell would result in some snowfall across areas to the north, writing in a recent forecast: “This Wednesday to Friday period will also bring some wintry weather and snow across at least higher ground in parts of the north and Scotland at times for this period of the upcoming week.”
More weather warnings to come as rain sweeps in
Southwest England and south Wales will be under a yellow weather warning for rain tomorrow, with downpours expected to lead to “some travel disruption” and possible flooding.
An alert from the Met Office reads: “A period of rain, heavy at times, especially over high ground, will move east across this region during Wednesday. Coming off the back of recent very wet weather, some travel disruption and flooding is possible.
“15-25 mm of rain is likely to accumulate quite widely across the warning area, but 40-60 mm is possible over the high ground of Dartmoor and the hills of south Wales.”
UK weather forecast
Tuesday:
Patchy rain gradually clearing eastern England through the morning. A dry and bright day for many, with a few blustery showers across northwest Scotland. Feeling colder than of late.
Outlook for Wednesday to Friday:
Turning wet and windy once again through Wednesday, lingering into Thursday. Drier and brighter for Friday, though with a scattering of showers. Near average temperatures, mild in the far south.
