Temperatures could drop as low as -20C this week, forecasters have said, with the coldest weather conditions expected over the Pennines and the snow fields in Scotland
Brits are set to face a polar blast this week with overnight temperatures dropping as low as -20C.
Forecasters have said the country could experience the biggest winter chill in four years with Wednesday and Thursday nights set to see the temperature plunge into minus double figures, sparking health concerns for vulnerable people. BBC weather forecaster Simon King said the last time temperatures dropped so low was in February 11, 2021, when -23C was recorded at Braemar in Aberdeenshire.
He added that the cold Arctic air that is now across the UK will continue until the end of the week, with the coldest temperatures expected at night. Mr King said: “With clearing skies and lighter winds on Wednesday night, temperatures will drop quite rapidly below freezing.
“Across most parts of the UK there will be a hard frost with minimum temperatures getting down between -3C and -10C widely. Where there is still snow cover, it could be as cold as -14C to -16C, making Wednesday the coldest night of winter so far.
“Over the Pennines and the snow fields of Scotland, we are expecting minimum temperatures to be -16C to -20C. The last time the UK recorded a temperature that low was on 11 February 2021, when the temperature at Braemar in Aberdeenshire fell to -23C.
“While flooding and further wintry showers continue to affect parts of the United Kingdom, the cold snap will continue until the end of this week. The cold Arctic air that is currently across the UK will stick around for the rest of the week bringing some of the coldest weather of the winter so far.
“While widespread and hard frosts are likely overnight, daytime temperatures will stay well below average for this time of year.” On Tuesday evening, 106 flood warnings had been issued, meaning flooding is expected, and 202 flood alerts, meaning flooding is possible, were active across England.
A danger to life warning has been issued for the River Soar near Barrow upon Soar, Leicestershire, where people living in caravan parks have been urged by the Environment Agency to act now, with a large-scale evacuation required to save lives. Stefan Laeger, flood duty manager at the Environment Agency, said: “The recent heavy rain combined with melting snow means it is probable significant river flooding will continue in Leicestershire today, with minor river flooding probable in some other parts of the country, continuing through to Thursday for some larger rivers.
“Environment Agency teams continue to be out on the ground, operating flood defences, taking action to reduce the impact of flooding, issuing flood warnings and supporting those communities affected. We urge people to remain vigilant over the next few days and advise anyone travelling to be especially careful and urge people to stay away from swollen rivers and not to drive through flood water as just 30cm of flowing water is enough to move your car. People should search ‘check my flood risk’, sign up for free flood warnings, and keep up to date with the latest situation at @EnvAgency on X.”
Meanwhile, amber health alerts from the UK Health Security Agency across England are valid until midday on Sunday, the Express reported. Parts of the UK woke up to a fresh covering of snow on Tuesday, especially around northern Scotland, Greater Manchester, Cheshire, the West Country and parts of southern England. And the heavy rain from Sunday and Monday is still bringing some flooding, particularly in Leicestershire and Lincolnshire.
Neil Monteith, 49, who owns a caravan on the front row of the Proctors Pleasure Park, near Barrow upon Soar in Leicestershire, said: “The water is the highest I’ve seen it, I’ve never seen it this bad before.” A woman who lives near the Proctors Pleasure Park and did not wish to be named said: “They put in new flood defences – it used to flood all the time then it stopped, but this is unprecedented. It’s a flood plain, that’s what it’s for, but they build houses on it and nobody will acknowledge it or accept it.”
The Met Office said that despite the cold, there will be plenty of sunshine this week. Met Office chief forecaster Jason Kelly said: “With cold weather persisting across the UK this week we have a number of severe weather warnings for wintry hazards.
“Snow showers will continue to fall over Scotland, Northern Ireland and into Northern Wales and northern England too. Where surface water and snow freeze overnight there is a risk of ice as temperatures widely dip below freezing. There will however be good spells of sunshine for those away from northern coasts, though it’ll still feel cold in the northerly breeze.”
UK 5 day weather forecast
This Evening and Tonight:
Wintry showers will continue in the north and northwest through the evening and overnight. Elsewhere will be dry with lengthy clear skies and some freezing fog patches. A widespread severe frost.
Wednesday:
Many places will be dry, cold and sunny. However, southern counties of England could see some rain, sleet and snow at times. Wintry showers will also continue across Scotland.
Outlook for Thursday to Saturday:
Cold on Thursday, with sunshine and wintry showers. Dry for many Friday and Saturday, with some sunshine. Cloudier in the far west, with patchy rain and snow possible. Frosty nights.
