After an Arctic blast brought freezing conditions to the UK, weather maps indicate that temperatures could rise to 12C in some areas this week. The chilly spell, which saw temperatures plummet to -18.9 in Scotland on Saturday morning, marking the UK’s coldest January night in 15 years, is set to end.
The Met Office predicts that the South West is likely to remain cooler, with temperatures hovering between 5C and 8C. Temperatures of 11C and 12C are forecast in Northern Ireland and Scotland on Monday and Tuesday, while northern England could see temperatures reach up to 9C.
Monday’s forecast includes “windy conditions in the north, with spells of rain spreading southwards across Scotland into northern England”, according to the Met Office. The south is expected to be drier but cloudy, reports the Mirror.
Forecasters also warn that the milder air will lead to “continued rapid melting of lying snow”, potentially causing river levels to rise. Tuesday’s weather is anticipated to be similar, albeit potentially drier, with temperatures ranging from 11C to 12C in the north and 8C to 9C in the south. Met Office meteorologist Greg Dewhurst stated: “(It will be) back to average temperatures generally for the time of year.”
Northern Scotland is currently experiencing average lows around 0.3C for this time of year, while England sees overnight temperatures typically hovering between 1.5C and 1.6C. In response to the chill, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has decided to prolong its cold weather health alert across all of England until Tuesday.
The amber alerts, indicating a potential increase in mortality rates, especially among those over 65 or with pre-existing health conditions, have been extended through to January 14.
As the week progresses, high pressure is expected to settle near the southeast of the UK, bringing stable conditions to many areas. The Met Office’s forecast from January 17 to January 26 suggests mixed skies with patches of frost and fog likely in southern and eastern regions, while the far northwest may see some rainfall.
The forecast details: “A weakening frontal system looks like it will edge east across the UK over the weekend, before high pressure briefly builds back in from the west in its wake. Low pressure then seems likely to increasingly influence the UK weather later in the period, with some rain and windier conditions affecting most if not all parts.
“Temperatures are likely to be generally a little above average, especially in the north, though more frost and fog patches are likely under clearer skies and lighter winds.”
As we approach the end of January and the start of February, the national weather service anticipates a shift towards more unsettled and windy weather conditions.
The Met Office has warned that the UK is likely to experience “likely to result in areas of rain and periods of stronger winds affecting most if not all parts of the UK at times, though with the wettest and windiest weather probably occurring towards the north and west.” However, they also caution that there remains a risk of colder spells with frost, ice and snow.
South West weather forecast:
This Evening and Tonight:
It will be a dry evening and overnight period with gentle winds. Cloud cover will vary, with clear spells at times, especially in the south. Patchy frost and fog may form here. Minimum temperature 1 °C.
Tuesday: A dry day for most with any fog clearing during the morning. Variable cloud and sunny spells in places. Thicker cloud and perhaps some drizzle in Gloucestershire. Feeling considerably milder. Maximum temperature 9 °C.
Outlook for Wednesday to Friday: Staying generally dry. A lot of cloud for most but some sunshine is likely at times. Temperatures near average overall but frost and fog remains possible.