A cold and wintry spell is on the way
A significant shift in the weather is expected this weekend, with an early winter chill on the way that could cause disruptions for some people next week.
First off, high pressure continues to dominate, leading to overcast skies for many areas and the chance of fog during the night.
Expect some patchy fog in northern England and Scotland this afternoon, but overall, it should be a relatively mild day with a nice blend of clouds and sunshine. ????️
Most areas will stay dry, though a few brief drizzles may occur in places with thicker clouds. ????️ pic.twitter.com/B9nrIv838m
Tomorrow will be a comparable day, but it will become windier in the northern regions. These winds will pick up speed later on Friday, bringing in colder Arctic air.
On Saturday, a rain system will shift southward, affecting many areas, while temperatures will drop in the northern regions, potentially bringing some snowfall to the hills.
Chilly Weather For Everyone Starting Sunday
Starting Sunday, a drop in pressure will bring in some unsettled and significantly colder conditions. Rebekah Hicks, Deputy Chief Meteorologist at the Met Office, shares that a pronounced early winter chill will sweep through the northern regions beginning Sunday, and it's expected to affect the entire UK by midweek.
As northern winds pick up, temperatures are expected to fall, leading to the arrival of chilly Arctic air. This situation increases the likelihood of snow, especially in the northern highlands starting Sunday, and strong winds may also pose a risk.
Right now, it's unclear what we can expect for next week, as computer simulations are presenting various possibilities.
Rebekah mentioned, "Many things are unclear about what could take place after Sunday, but several possibilities could lead to more rain in various areas, as well as some snow in the hills and stronger winds. While there is a chance of snowfall in lower areas, it's still unlikely for any specific location at this point. What we do expect is that the entire UK will likely face a period of cold, possibly disruptive weather next week."
Be aware that there may be alerts for winter weather hazards like snow and ice, so it’s crucial to keep informed about the latest weather updates.
You can find a detailed look at the long-term weather predictions in the Met Office's 10-day trend video, which is accessible on YouTube and through the Met Office app.
The images below illustrate the current possible situations.
Why Is Predicting Snow So Challenging?
Predicting significant snowfall in the UK can be challenging, as meteorologists consider various elements. Learn more about how snow forecasts are made in the UK.
Chillier temperatures are approaching, but it's premature to pinpoint the regions that will experience substantial snowfall. Aidan provides more details in this excerpt from the 10 Day Trend. ???? pic.twitter.com/9Xofy9CGzv
Planning ahead and getting ready for the upcoming chilly weather can have a significant impact.
Discover additional information on maintaining a warm home and the impact of cold weather on your health through the Met Office’s WeatherReady initiative.
As the northern regions brace for the initial drop in temperature, Katherine Crawford, the Chief Executive of Age Scotland, emphasized that there are easy actions we can all take to ensure that no one faces this chilly season by themselves. Harsh weather can make it challenging for individuals to manage essential outings, such as grocery shopping or medical visits. Therefore, we encourage everyone to reach out to older relatives, friends, and neighbors during this time to see if they require any additional assistance.
A kind phone call or an offer to assist with errands like grocery shopping, picking up medications, or clearing paths of ice can really make a difference for someone who feels alone at home during this chilly weather.
In Scotland, seniors, their caregivers, and family members seeking assistance or guidance can reach out to Age Scotland’s toll-free helpline at 0800 12 44 222.
NHS 24 is Scotland's organization that offers health and care services through digital platforms and phone calls, such as the 111 service and NHS Inform. Dr. Siama Latif, the Associate Medical Director at NHS 24, mentioned, “As the temperatures drop, it can affect everyone’s health and wellbeing, but it's particularly challenging for vulnerable groups, including young children, the elderly, and individuals with chronic health issues.”
If you have to go outside in cold weather, be sure to dress warmly and wear shoes that provide good traction to help you prevent slipping, tripping, or falling.
"Our online resources, NHSinform.scot and the NHS 24 Online app, offer excellent guidance for dealing with winter illnesses and for assistance with any sprains or strains. These tools are crucial for making sure you receive the proper advice and support, particularly in the colder season."
You can check out the most recent forecast on our website, YouTube channel, and social media platforms like X and Facebook. Additionally, our mobile app is available for download on both iPhone through the App Store and Android via the Google Play Store.
