UK weather forecast: Arctic air to send temperatures plunging below -9C for 'coldest autumn night so far'

Rebecca Speare-Cole18 November 2019

An Arctic blast is set to send temperatures plunging below -9C for the UK's coldest night this autumn.

Forecasters say the icy swell already saw the mercury drop to -8.6C in Scotland last night - and temperatures are only set to get colder tonight.

Frost and frozen fog will likely cause problems for commuters during Tuesday morning's rush hour with poor visibility and damp air crystallizing on surfaces, especially across central and southeast England.

It comes after floods wreaked havoc across the north last week and some places saw the earliest winter snow in 11 years with more flurries expected on higher ground in the coming days.

Met Office spokesman, Alex Burcill said the UK is currently right in the middle of a "very cold spell" for this time of year.

"Temperatures dropped to -8.1C in Scotland last night which just goes to show how cold it is," he said.

Temperatures are plummeting amid a cold Arctic snap.
Jeremy Selwyn

"Today will be a colder still because of this icy blast coming from the Arctic and we will likely see more snow on higher grounds throughout the week."

Mr Burcill said temperatures in Scotland could drop to -9C while parts of England and Wales could see the mercury plummet to as low as -7C.

"Tonight compared to last night is going to be colder in England," he added. "That will bring its own risks - so not just frost but fog and frozen fog crystallizing on windscreens."

"During tomorrow morning's rush hour there could be visibility issues with the frozen fog, especially in southern parts of England."

Spaniel enjoying the snow on the Daviot Estate, Inverurie, Aberdeenshire at sunrise
PA

But Mr Burcill said the current cold spell may soon come to an end with temperatures recovering throughout the week.

He said most days will struggle to hit double-digits in the north, while the south will see temperatures between 10 to 12C.

"But it definitely looks as cold as -8.6C tonight and there is a good chance that record will be broken," he added.

Flash floods wreak havoc on north of England - In pictures

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While Monday and Tuesday will be crisp and sunny during the cold snap, conditions will slowly descend into wet, blustery days throughout the week, Mr Burcill continued.

Clouds will begin to move in eastwards on Tuesday afternoon with rain hitting the west of England.

There is also a chance of showers along the North Sea coast and in the far east of Scotland.

He added that things only look to get wetter and windier from there with "hints" that more unsettled conditions could sweep the UK this weekend.

The Environment Agency has also issued several low risk flood warnings as the North continues to struggle with the aftermath of last week's torrential downpours.

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