FROSTY mornings after freezing overnight temperatures are forecast in parts of Scotland before cold Arctic air moves away and ushers in a warmer spell over the weekend, forecasters have said.
The Met Office said temperatures in parts of northern England and Scotland could plunge to as low as -3C tonight and tomorrow night.
4
4
There is also set to be some snowfall on some higher ground as northerly winds continue to bring chilly nights and below-average temperatures throughout the day.
Average April temperatures are usually around 14C to 15C across the country, but so far this month conditions have been colder.
The Met Office said there was a risk of heavy rain and possible thunderstorms in southern areas of the UK over the weekend as an area of low-pressure moves across the country, causing unsettled weather and cloudy skies to accompany the warmer conditions as the week progresses.
Ellie Glaisyer, a meteorologist at the Met Office, said the chillier temperatures experienced in April were “nothing exceptional” and are expected to move closer to their seasonal averages over the weekend and into the start of next week.
She said that on Wednesday and Thursday night “there will be some frost in places”.
She added: “The reason for (the low temperatures) is that we’ve got an area of high pressure out towards the west of the UK and that gives us a northerly wind across the UK.
“So it’s those northerly winds that are bringing us to slightly below-average temperatures, particularly across eastern parts of the UK, as the air is coming from towards the Arctic.”
Ms Glaisyer added the colder temperatures are expected to last for the next few days before temperatures rise over the weekend.
Most read in The Scottish Sun
And some areas could possibly exceed their seasonal averages by one or two degrees.
Freezing temperatures expected overnight in Scotland and northern England could possibly extend as far as rural parts of Wales and some parts of central England over the next two days, she added.
But the forecaster said the weather conditions were “nothing exceptional, just a little below average for the time of year”.
It comes after the exact date temperatures are expected to climb this week was revealed after the mercury levels plummeted.
From Saturday, temperatures are expected to climb again.
The Met Office said: “Gradually becoming more unsettled towards the weekend with showers or longer spells of rain at times.
“Often cloudy and feeling chilly in brisk winds. Temperatures recovering a little on Saturday.”
Looking into next week, forecasters said: “An uncertain start to the period though likely unsettled as a frontal system continues to push north across the UK.
“Coupled with strong winds and possible coastal gales, this likely followed by a showery day with potential thunderstorms on Sunday and again on Monday.
“Beyond this, low pressure patterns continue to dominate with wet weather perhaps more likely to develop in parts of the south and east, though all parts are may see some rain at times.
Read more on the Scottish Sun
“Winds further into the period mostly light to moderate. Temperatures will likely trend near or slightly above average, though some cooler interludes remain possible.
“Into early May, something of a north-south split looks possible, with relatively drier conditions further to the north and the greatest chance of rain further to the south.”
Met Office’s five-day forecast
Today: A cold but often bright start to the day for many. Sunny spells with a few showers, which could be heavy at times, and perhaps turning wintry over hills in the north. Feeling chilly, especially in the north and east.
Tonight: Showers easing for many through the evening, although a few still possible in the east. Variable cloud overnight, but turning chilly under any clear spells.
Friday: Another chilly start. Showers continuing in the north and east, with some sleet and snow over the hills. Rain arriving in the southwest later. Feeling chilly despite the light winds.
Outlook for Saturday to Monday: Gradually becoming more unsettled over the weekend with showers, some heavy and possibly thundery at times. Often cloudy and feeling chilly in brisk winds. Temperatures recovering a little from Sunday.
4
