Sub-zero conditions expected across the UK, with -10C forecast for rural areas on Tuesday
Freezing temperatures are forecast for large parts of the UK this week, with the mercury set to drop as low as -10C (14F) in some rural areas. Overnight on Monday, sub-zero temperatures will dominate, accompanied by a widespread frost and the risk of snow on Tuesday, particularly in higher regions.
Sky News weather producer, Chris England, warned that as skies clear on Monday evening, temperatures will drop sharply. He said: “In rural locations, particularly in Scotland, temperatures could fall to -10C, while in Northern Ireland and northern Wales, -6C (21F) is a possibility.” The coldest spots are likely to be in valleys sheltered from the northerly wind.
By Tuesday, most of England and Wales will experience dry conditions, although rain is expected in the west later in the day. Scotland and Northern Ireland will see rain moving in from the west, with a chance of snow as the wet weather meets the cold air. However, the snow is likely to be confined to higher ground, above 400 metres, with the Scottish hills and possibly the northern Pennines at risk of seeing a dusting. England emphasised that this snow event is not expected to cause major disruption.
The sharp drop in temperatures contrasts with the mild weather experienced over the weekend. In Cardiff, for instance, temperatures reached 16.4C (61.5F) as milder air was drawn in from the South and South West. According to Met Office meteorologist Marco Petagna, this was around 5°C above the usual seasonal average, which typically ranges between 10-12C for early December.
Looking ahead, the UK may see another temperature dip over the weekend, as northerly winds are predicted to bring another cold snap, keeping the country in winter’s grip.
