Brrr! If you’ve been shivering your way through the past week, you’re not alone. Britain just experienced its coldest November night in 15 years, with temperatures plummeting to a bone-chilling -12.6C in Scotland. Icy roads led to widespread school closures across the UK, and breakdown services reported their busiest days since January as vehicles struggled in the extreme cold.
But hold onto your hats – literally! A significant shift is on the horizon. The biting Arctic winds that brought us all that frost and snow are finally making way for milder, though much more unsettled, conditions from the Atlantic.
Starting tonight, expect a noticeable change. Cloud will roll in, bringing rain, particularly to western areas. While some higher ground might see a brief dusting of snow, for most, it’ll be a switch to classic grey and damp British weather.
As we head into the weekend, temperatures will generally climb a few degrees, but don’t ditch the layers just yet. Strong and gusty winds, especially in the South West, could make it feel just as fresh. Forecasters are keeping a close eye on Sunday, as a tricky low-pressure system could bring even more intense rain and wind, particularly across Northern Ireland, Wales, and the South West.
So, while the extreme cold is behind us for now, be prepared for a wet and windy few days. Keep an eye out for black ice from melting snow, and perhaps plan some cosy indoor activities. This milder, unsettled pattern is expected to stick around until at least Thursday next week. Get ready to swap your ice scraper for an umbrella!