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UK Weather Forecast: Sub-Zero Temperatures Predicted After Brief Warm Spell
A significant temperature shift is anticipated across the UK, with forecasters indicating that many regions could experience sub-zero temperatures later this month, shortly after a predicted period of milder weather. This dramatic change follows expectations of a short warm spell, creating a stark contrast in conditions.
Brief Milder Temperatures Expected
Data from wxcharts.com suggests that much of Great Britain and Northern Ireland are likely to see a couple of days of warmer temperatures starting from Thursday, April 10th. During this period, temperatures could climb as high as 19 degrees Celsius in parts of Scotland, offering a temporary respite from typical April conditions.
Sharp Temperature Drop and Freezing Conditions
However, this mild interlude is expected to be short-lived. By Monday, April 14th, regions of Scotland may face a dramatic plunge in temperature, potentially dropping to as low as -2 degrees Celsius, particularly in the northeast. This marks a significant shift towards much colder conditions in a very short timeframe.
Freezing Temperatures Extend Across England and Wales
The cold air is forecast to extend southward. By midnight on Tuesday, April 15th, large areas of England and Wales are also predicted to experience very low temperatures. Regions north of Manchester could see minimum temperatures reaching -2 degrees Celsius, bringing the risk of frost and icy conditions.
Further Temperature Decline Expected
The coldest point in this period appears to be around 6 am on Tuesday. At this time, areas in southern Wales could see temperatures plummet to -4 degrees Celsius. Simultaneously, parts of southern England are expected to experience temperatures as low as -3 degrees Celsius. These frigid conditions represent a considerable drop from the anticipated warmth just days prior.
Weather maps indicate that at this hour, the majority of the UK will be at or below freezing point, highlighting the widespread nature of the cold snap.
Daytime Temperatures Remain Low
Even by midday, the cold temperatures are expected to persist. Wales is predicted to experience the lowest minimum temperatures at -2 degrees Celsius, with southern England not far behind at -1 degree Celsius. Scotland and Northern Ireland are also expected to remain cold, with minimum temperatures between 0 and 2 degrees Celsius, although the northeast of Scotland may still see lows of -2 degrees Celsius.
Gradual Temperature Rise Expected Later
The forecast suggests a potential easing of the cold weather by 6 pm on Tuesday. By this time, minimum temperatures across the UK are predicted to rise to between 1 and 7 degrees Celsius, indicating a gradual return to slightly milder conditions as the day progresses.
Met Office Long-Range Forecast
The Met Office’s long-range forecast, covering Wednesday, April 9th to Friday, April 18th, supports the expectation of settled weather initially. They state that high pressure is “expected to dominate early in this period, maintaining largely settled conditions.”
According to the national weather service, this will likely lead to “largely dry weather with abundant sunshine for many areas.”
The Met Office further adds that “daytime temperatures will vary depending on wind direction and cloud cover, but most areas will be warm for much of this period, with very warm days most probable inland,” while coastal areas with onshore winds may experience cooler temperatures.
They also note, “Overnight frosts are possible on clear nights with light winds,” reinforcing the potential for sub-zero conditions.
“There is also a possibility of low cloud or fog patches, particularly around the east coast,” the Met Office advises.
Looking towards mid-April, “the weather is likely to become more unsettled for a time, with an increased chance of showers or longer periods of rain across all regions,” suggesting a shift away from the initial settled phase.
Tonight and Saturday Weather Outlook
The forecast for this evening and tonight anticipates a “dry evening and night with mostly clear skies.” However, some low cloud is expected to develop “across parts of England, Wales, and Scotland.”
Parts of northern regions are also anticipated to experience frost tonight. The forecast concludes by noting it will be “breezy, especially across the south.”
Saturday is expected to bring a gradual clearing of low cloud in most areas, leading to “a dry day with plenty of sunshine,” according to the Met Office. They also indicate it will be “warm in the sunshine, but with a cooling easterly breeze in places.”