Arctic blast to sweep UK as temperatures plummet and first snow of winter arrives
14 October 2023, 11:47
An Arctic blast is set to sweep the UK this weekend as temperatures plummet into single figures.
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Just a week ago, sunseekers in parts of England and Wales were basking in an unseasonable warm spell, with highs of nearly 26C - the highest in October for five years.
But cold, northerly Arctic winds will soon send temperatures plunging into single figures.
Snow is even expected across parts of Scotland, according to forecasters.
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Don't forget your big coat when stepping outside today as it will be rather cold for many of us 🧥
— Met Office (@metoffice) October 14, 2023
Particularly across northern Scotland, where strong winds will make it feel closer to freezing 🥶 pic.twitter.com/ZjOe7vEebi
Alex Deakin, Met Office meteorologist, said: "Be prepared for a chill.
"It is much colder out there for many, certainly compared to recent mornings and certainly a lot colder than last weekend."
He warned: "If you're heading out this evening then be prepared for those temperatures to be dropping pretty rapidly."
Snow is also expected to fall over the hills in northern Scotland, where strong winds are making temperatures feel colder.
Showers will be frequent in the north and west of the UK, with sunshine over eastern England and southern Scotland.
Mr Deakin added: "Temperatures are struggling to get into the teens across the south and many places further north.
"It's 10C or 11C at best - add on the strength of the wind across northern Scotland and it really does feel cold".
A much chillier start to #SaturdayMorning than of late with cold northwesterly winds, gale force in northern Scotland
— Met Office (@metoffice) October 13, 2023
Frequent showers in the north and west, these heavy at times and locally wintry in northern Scotland
Some sunshine too, especially in sheltered eastern areas pic.twitter.com/pvzDoRhQyR
Temperatures across the south of England are lower than average for this time of year and expected to fall even further later Saturday and overnight, Mr Deakin said.
Sunday will see an even colder start compared with Saturday, with a greater chance of a frost over northern England, Northern Ireland and Scotland, especially in rural areas.
"Again on Sunday evening, those temperatures will be falling away pretty rapidly. High pressure looks like dominating into it next week," Mr Deakin added.
