UK weather forecast: 'Arctic plunge' to bring 'SNOW & hard frost' THIS week as temps drop to -3C amid wintry showers
THE UK will be ravaged by snow, wind & rain from as early as THIS week, as bitter winter temperatures begin to grip the nation.
Experts also warned February is set to be colder than both January and December combined.
Met Office forecaster John Hammond said: "A plunge of Arctic air looks set to sweep down across the UK later in the week, which may well see hard frost and some snow.
Forecasters believe temperatures could drop to -3C in parts of the UK during the coming days.
“Temperatures ahead are expected to average out rather lower than through much of winter, with more frequent incursions of Arctic air."
He added: “A wetter and chillier mix looks likely as we head into March. Late snow is a possibility.”
Read our weather live blog for the latest news and forecasts…
- Louis Allwood
How to stay warm in bed during winter
With the frosty winter weather, it’s no surprise many of us are spending more time in bed to avoid the big chill.
UK-based Georgia Metcalfe, co-founder and creative director of The French Bedroom Company has come to the rescue and provided five tips that will keep you toasty throughout the next few cold months.
According to the sleep expert, the best temperature to help you nod off is around 18°C – and this can be achieved in the colder months by turning up the duvet tog.
“Choose a higher tog duvet of at least 13 which will retain as much heat as possible,” she explains.
“It will allow you to stay snuggly throughout the colder months, and you will never want to leave your boudoir as it keeps you wonderfully cosy.”
“If you want an added layer, place a velvet bedspread on top of your bed linen, or for something more luxurious, try cashmere.”
She went on to note that it’s easy to feel lethargic when the alarm goes off on a cold morning, but says you will feel more comfortable by changing the materials in your bed such as altering your bedwear to silk pyjamas and putting on a pair of soft socks as this will help you feel warmer, improving your sleep in the process.
- Louis Allwood
Bookies odds on snow
Forecasters are warning of two months of freezing temperatures and snow.
It is odds on at 4-5 with bookmaker Coral that this month goes on to become the coldest February in the UK since records began.
Coral’s Harry Aitkenhead said: “We make this month odds on to enter the history books as the coldest February we have ever recorded, with snow and freezing temperatures set to become the norm for the rest of winter.”
- Louis Allwood
Top tip: Keep an emergency winter kit in your car
No driver plans to break down but it happens and often at the most inconvenient times.
It’s best to keep an emergency kit in the car just in case, especially if it’s dark out and temperatures have plummeted.
It’s also worth keeping de-icer in the pack so you have some ready for those frosty mornings.
Hugo said: “A torch, a first-aid kit and some emergency food and drink may also come in handy, while keeping de-icer and a decent scraper in the car will make frosty morning starts less wearisome.”
- Joseph Gamp
In pictures: Serious snowfall along the A71 in West Lothian
The weather across the UK has been milder for most the last seven days.
But in the central belt of Scotland, there has been a lot of snowfall.
In the image below, drivers make their way along the A71 in West Lothian after the first serious snow fall of the winter hit the region.
NINTCHDBPICT000703855076Credit: Alamy - Joseph Gamp
Colder conditions expected to hit by Thursday
The Met Office says much colder conditions, coupled with wintry showers, are expected in multiple regions by Thursday
And conditions in the North are expected to be wet and windy.
They said: “The period to February 19 has the risk of wintry showers in the North and East, with the potential for a brief colder interlude.
"February 20 to March 6 has low pressure systems interspersed with colder interludes in the North.”
- Joseph Gamp
February could be colder than December and January, an expert has warned
Met Office forecaster John Hammond predicts how "a plunge of Arctic air looks set to sweep down across the UK later in the week, which may well see hard frost and some snow.
“Temperatures ahead are expected to average out rather lower than through much of winter, with more frequent incursions of Arctic air."
He added: “A wetter and chillier mix looks likely as we head into March. Late snow is a possibility.”
- Joseph Gamp
Met Office outlook for Wednesday to Friday
The Met Office has released a short summary for the weather towards the latter half of this week.
It reads: "Rain affecting central and southern areas, weakening and clearing south by Thursday.
"Colder conditions in the north, following.
"Wintry showers and windy in the north. Widespread overnight frost by Friday."
- Joseph Gamp
Weather split into three parts on Tuesday morning
A mixed bag awaits on Tuesday morning, with the weather dependant on where you live.
The Met Office says: "For central areas a cloudy start with outbreaks of rain and drizzle.
"Further south sunny spells and feeling very mild."
"In the north, colder and windy with sunny spells and showers"
- Joseph Gamp
Winter weather can cause serious damage to health
The Met Office says: “Cold temperatures have an impact on our health, but there are other risks in winter including physical injuries from slips, trips and falls.
“As we get older it becomes harder for our bodies to detect how cold we are, and it takes longer to warm up which can be bad for our health.
“For older people in particular, the longer the exposure to the cold, the more risk of heart attacks, strokes, pneumonia, depression, worsening arthritis and increased accidents at home (associated with loss of strength and dexterity in the hands).”
- Joseph Gamp
Met Office '4cast' for Tuesday
The Met Office has released its '4cast' for Tuesday and it's looking like a mixed bag.
The weather agency tweeted: "Rain and drizzle for central parts, and showers in the north. Best chance of sunny spells north and south of the rain band.
"Breezy particularly across northwest Scotland. A generally mild day especially in the south."
- Joseph Gamp
Tuesday and Wednesday weather outlook from the Met Office
Tuesday will bring another cloudy day with spells of rain across northern and western areas which may be locally heavy. ]
Brighter spells will develop at times too.
Wednesday will be cloudy with rain across northern Britain which may fall as snow across parts of Scotland, especially over high ground.
- Joseph Gamp
RAC tips for driving safely in snow & ice
RAC patrol of 2019 Ben Aldous has advised that: “Windscreens should be completely cleared of ice and snow before moving off so visibility isn’t impaired.
Drivers who start out peering through a misted up or poorly cleared windscreen are putting lives at risk.
Start by accelerating gently, use low revs and change up to a higher gear as quickly as possible.
Move off in second gear to reduce wheel slip.
Keep a safe stopping distance between you and the car in front.
When approaching a bend, brake before you start turning and if the car loses grip don’t panic and keep the wheels turned in the direction you want to go in.
If visibility drops below 100m, put your fog lights on. But remember to turn them off when the visibility improves.
If the road has not been gritted, be wary of driving in the wheeltracks or other vehicles as compressed snow is likely to be more icy than fresh snow.
- Joseph Gamp
In pictures: Stunning sunrise in Fairfield, Kent
February has been offering some unusually bright and mild seasonal weather.
In the stunning picture below, the sun comes up behind some trees and under clouds in the dawn sky.
The eye catching image was taken at the marshes around Fairfield, based in Kent.
Credit: Alamy - Joseph Gamp
What's in store for tomorrow's weather?
The Met Office's short summary says: "Rain affecting central parts of the UK.
"Brighter in the north with gales and showers, wintry on hills.
It added: "Mild in the south with variable cloud and some sunny spells."
- Joseph Gamp
Weather summary for this evening and tonight
Conditions are turning wet, windy and cold across much of the UK this evening.
In a short weather summary, the Met Office said: "Rain will move southwards across Scotland and Northern Ireland, reaching northern England later.
"Turning colder in the far north with clear spells and showers. Mild and mostly cloudy in the south. Windy, with gales in the far northwest."
- Joseph Gamp
February odds-on to be coldest EVER
This month looks increasingly likely to go down as the coldest February on record, according to Ladbrokes.
With an Arctic blast soon set to batter Britain, the bookies have cut odds to just 4/5 on this month playing host to the coldest February EVER.
Alex Apati of Ladbrokes said: "There's every chance this month enters the record books for all the wrong reasons, with temperatures soon set to drop and snow ready to batter Britain."
- Joseph Gamp
UK gaining 3-4 minutes of daylight per day, says Met Office
The Met Office writes: "Have you noticed the evenings are getting lighter?
"We are currently gaining 3-4 minutes of daylight per day! In a month sunset will be around 6 pm.
"In 2 months it will be around 8pm."
- Joseph Gamp
North-south divide split in temps over next couple of days
It looks like a mixed bag for temperatures over the next few days – depending on which part of the country you live.
The Met Office tweeted this afternoon: "A north-south split in temperatures will be set up across the UK for the next couple of days."
But conditions are set to plummet for all, with the weather agency adding: "Though it looks set to be cold for all by the end of the week."
- Joseph Gamp
Her Majesty spent Jubilee anniversary alone in ‘quiet reflection’
Exclusive by Matt Wilkinson
THE Queen spent her Platinum Jubilee anniversary alone in “quiet reflection” but will return with a “Spring in her step” within WEEKS.
The 95-year-old monarch is now set to END her four-month break caused by a shock health scare and hospital stay.
Sources close to the Queen, who appeared sprightly on her feet at a reception this weekend, say she will be “back on the March” next month.
It comes after she announced Camilla will be Queen Consort when Charles takes the throne.
- Louis Allwood
UK Wednesday to Friday outlook
Rain affecting central and southern areas, weakening and clearing south by Thursday. Colder conditions in the north, following.
Wintry showers and windy in the north. Widespread overnight frost by Friday.
- Louis Allwood
Bookies odds on coldest February
It is odds on, at 4-5 with bookmaker Coral, that this month goes on to become the coldest February in the UK since records began.
Forecasters are warning of two months of freezing temperatures and snow.
“We make this month odds on to enter the history books as the coldest February we have ever recorded, with snow and freezing temperatures set to become the norm for the rest of winter,” said Coral’s Harry Aitkenhead.
- Louis Allwood
Damaging winter weather
The Met Office says: “Cold temperatures have an impact on our health, but there are other risks in winter including physical injuries from slips, trips and falls.
“As we get older it becomes harder for our bodies to detect how cold we are, and it takes longer to warm up which can be bad for our health.
“For older people in particular, the longer the exposure to the cold, the more risk of heart attacks, strokes, pneumonia, depression, worsening arthritis and increased accidents at home (associated with loss of strength and dexterity in the hands).”
- Louis Allwood
Manchester forecast for tomorrow
A cloudy and damp morning with light rain and drizzle. Staying cloudy with drizzly outbreaks in the afternoon.
Rain perhaps turning heavier too later on in the day. Maximum temperature 13 °C.
- Louis Allwood
Edinburgh forecast for tomorrow
Cloud and patchy rain over southern parts of Dumfries and Galloway. Otherwise, bright spells and the odd shower elsewhere.
Feeling rather cold with a brisk southwesterly breeze. Maximum temperature 9 °C.
- Louis Allwood
Cardiff forecast for tomorrow
Another largely cloudy day with some outbreaks of drizzly rain at times in the north, mainly over the hills.
There could be some bright spells, mainly in the east. Maximum temperature 12 °C.
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