A wave of frigid Arctic air is poised to hit the UK this week, bringing a dramatic drop in temperatures and unsettled weather conditions.
After a relatively mild week, with temperatures hovering around 20°C, forecasters predict a significant shift, with London expected to experience daytime highs of just 15°C from Wednesday through Friday.
According to BBC Weather, temperatures could plummet to as low as 4°C by the end of the week, marking a stark contrast to the recent warmth.
The onset of this “Arctic blast” is set to begin around Tuesday and Wednesday, as cold air from the north descends upon the region, bringing with it a marked chill.
Met Office forecaster Craig Snell commented on Sunday, saying, “As we transition into Tuesday and Wednesday and beyond, we will see cooler air begin to move in from the Arctic. Our first autumn chill of the season is on the way, with temperatures expected to hover around the mid-teens during the day. At night, some areas may see temperatures fall into the low and mid single figures.”
The weather warning from the Met Office was updated over the weekend, with a yellow alert issued for extensive parts of the country.
Many Londoners were awakened by thunderstorms early on Sunday, contributing to a series of disruptions including the cancellation of numerous British Airways flights at Gatwick Airport.
The Met Office’s statement highlighted the continuing threat of severe weather, noting, “While some sunshine is expected to develop in the southeast on Sunday, further slow-moving thunderstorms are likely. This yellow warning is in effect until 6pm on Sunday, with the possibility of further updates or escalations to amber if impacts increase.”
As the Arctic blast settles in, the UK is expected to face a week of unpredictable weather. The Met Office has warned that the forecast remains “unsettled,” with cooler and fresher temperatures likely to persist. The coming days are anticipated to bring a mix of chillier weather and occasional showers, signaling the start of a more autumnal pattern.
For those in London and across the UK, it’s a time to prepare for the abrupt change in weather, as the first significant cold front of the season makes its arrival.
