A dramatic shift is on the horizon as a surge of Arctic air threatens to erase the recent warmth experienced across Britain. Following a weekend where temperatures reached a high of 24C – marking the warmest day of the year thus far – forecasts now predict a sharp drop, bringing winter-like conditions and the possibility of snow around the Easter holiday.
Gardeners and agricultural workers are being urged to take precautions as overnight temperatures are expected to plummet to -3C, raising concerns about damaging frosts.
“If skies remain clear during the nights ahead, we face a real risk of frost,” stated Jim Dale, meteorologist for British Weather Services. “We’re anticipating some notably cold evenings. While warmth will persist in the short term, those living further north are particularly vulnerable to a return to colder weather.” He added that daily temperatures won’t climb as high as they did previously.
The approaching change is attributed to a battle between departing high-pressure systems and incoming Atlantic low-pressure areas. This clash will likely bring heavy rain and the potential for stormy conditions in the days leading up to Easter, leaving meteorologists struggling to predict the precise course of late spring weather.
“There is an indication of high pressure,” explained Honor Criswick of the Met Office, “but its location will dictate the type of weather we experience. The coming week will be crucial in determining whether we see a transition towards more settled conditions by Easter weekend.”
Scotland and northern England are expected to bear the brunt of this cold snap. Temperatures in areas like the Glens and Highlands could fall between freezing point and -3C under clear night skies.
- Frost is likely overnight, particularly where skies are clear.
- Snow flurries are anticipated on high ground in exposed regions.
Jason Nicholls, lead international forecaster for AccuWeather, commented: “After a cooler and wetter week, temperatures will fall to just near or below average for the time of year. There’s a risk of showers early in the week, some of which could be wintery, particularly across hills.” He emphasized that no significant storms are currently anticipated.
Despite the challenging forecast, there remains hope for improved conditions as high pressure may eventually return, offering respite from the rain.
