Met Office warns of snow and sleet as cold weather ‘takes charge’ across UK
Britain will be colder than Iceland this week as temperatures are set to plummet dramatically.
Last week’s ‘mini heatwave’ has been near forgotten as winter makes another surprise appearance.
Sub-zero temperatures will be possible overnight and in the mornings for much of the UK this week.
Rural areas in Scotland could see the mercury drop as low as -8°C, while the rest of the country has been warned of -5°C temperatures.
Some parts of the UK will be colder than the likes of Oslo, in Norway, and Reykjavik, in Iceland, tomorrow morning.
Met Office chief meteorologist Steve Willington said: ‘Cold and unsettled weather is taking charge over much of the UK this week, as cold air is drawn in from the north and brings with it the risk of rain, sleet and snow.
‘Although there’s still some uncertainty on the exact positioning of snow showers, the trend is for a mix of sleet and snow to fall as a cold front moves from the north to the south from late on Tuesday through to Thursday morning.
‘Some clear spells are still around later in the week, with the best of any sunshine likely to be in the south and west of the UK, albeit feeling cold compared to last week.’
The sudden cold snap has been caused as mild weather shifts south and colder Arctic air from the north takes its place.
The Met Office issued a yellow weather warning overnight for the north of Scotland as drivers were warned of potential accidents on icy roads and delays on public transport.
It was in place until 10am today.
Scotland and the wider UK will be hit with sleet, hail and snow showers as the week continues.
Widespread frost and ‘wintry showers’ will pass over higher ground as the weekend approaches.
And don’t be deceived this weekend when the sun appears – as temperatures will still be very cold.
The drop in mercury will also cause bother for some of the nation’s gardeners who had expected spring weather to last.
The Royal Horticultural Society’s Guy Barter said: ‘Colder weather will slow plant growth and inhibit plums and pears pollination as insects fly less in cold dull weather.
‘Limited rain will help new sowings of peas and carrots for example and newly planted lettuces and other plants but should not greatly delay sowing and planting once conditions improve.
The Met Office issued a yellow weather overnight for the north of Scotland as drivers were warned of potential accidents on icy roads.
Sub-zero temperatures will be possible overnight and in the mornings for much of the UK this week.
“/> Snow and rain are forecast across the UK this week (Picture: Met Office)‘Tender plants, petunias and tomatoes for example, won’t be put outside for another month at least but lower light affects greenhouses and will slow their growth.’
Temperatures will finally recover to near-average next week, forecasters say.
The cooler weather is expected to return just in time for April Fool’s Day, when the energy price cap rise will kick in.
Household bills for millions will go up by almost £700 a year from Friday.
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