Britain is bracing for its first major Arctic blast of autumn next week with sub-zero temperatures, sleet and snow on the way alongside rain and strong winds.
Temperatures in some areas will be significantly below average for the time of year – with daytime highs in London reaching just 6C (43F) and overnight lows of -1C (30F).
The Met Office today issued two weather warnings for snow and ice – the first for northern Scotland from Sunday 4pm until Monday 11am; and the second for southern Scotland and northern England from Monday 10am until Tuesday 10am.
The mercury will plunge well below zero in most of Scotland next week, with the Met Office giving a ‘lowest possible’ reading in the Highlands of -17C (1F) next Thursday.
Meteorologists said parts of the UK are expected to see ‘a messy mixture of rain, sleet and snow’ in the coming days, with the whole of the country turning cold.
The Met Office told of a ‘major change in the weather from this weekend, as an early winter cold spell arrives bringing the potential for disruption for some next week’.
The UK Health Security Agency has issued a cold health alert from Sunday until next Thursday for the Midlands and North of England, warning of an ‘increased use of healthcare services by vulnerable people’ and ‘greater risk to life’ for the vulnerable.
But forecasters also said it was too early to tell exactly where the wintry weather might hit, with computer models showing a number of different scenarios.
It follows the driest first half to November for England and Wales since at least 1931, with some areas having less than 10 per cent of their average rainfall during a period of ‘anticyclonic gloom’ as cloudy conditions dominated with little to no wind.
Low lying mist over Abergavenny in Monmouthshire, South Wales, at sunrise this morning
The Burton Pynsent Monument is seen amidst the fog on the Somerset Levels this morning
The two snow and ice warnings are for northern Scotland from Sunday 4pm until Monday 11am; and for southern Scotland and northern England from Monday 10am until Tuesday 10am
The Met Office has given three possible snow scenarios for next Monday and Tuesday
Today will be cloudy in northern England, Scotland and Northern Ireland with the risk of rain in the West, but drier and brighter for the rest of England and Wales.
Temperatures will be a little above average today with 13C (55F) highs – although winds will become stronger in the North later tonight, ‘ushering in colder Arctic air’.
Cloud and patchy rain will then move southwards tonight across Scotland, Northern Ireland and into northern England – with wintry showers following over the hills.
Tomorrow will see the rain continue to head southwards across England and Wales while conditions turn colder in the North with the ‘possibility of some hill snow’.
Low pressure then moves in on Sunday when the unsettled and much colder weather begins. The North will see sunny spells and wintry showers, while it will be cloudier elsewhere with rain and stronger winds at times and some snow over higher ground.
The first weather warning for northern Scotland, covering the Highlands area, said ice and some snow could lead to ‘slippery surfaces and difficult travel conditions’, with possible ‘icy patches on some untreated roads, pavements and cycle paths’.
Roads and railways could be affected with longer journey times by road, bus and train services – while there could also be ‘injuries from slips and falls on icy surfaces’.
Forecasters said that during Sunday afternoon within the warning area, showers will turn increasingly wintry through the day with hail, sleet and some snow.
Little snow is likely to settle at low levels by day, but through the evening and overnight, 1cm (0.4in) to 3cm (1.2in) may accumulate in some places, while 5cm (2in) to 10cm (4in) is possible on high ground above 1,000ft (300m) by Monday morning.
And as temperatures fall overnight, ice is likely to form on untreated surfaces.
The second warning from Monday morning covers all of southern Scotland and up to Edinburgh and Glasgow, while extending as far south as West Yorkshire and Lancashire.
The Met Office said there was chance of power cuts and mobile phone coverage being affected, while ‘untreated pavements and cycle paths’ could become impassable.
There is a ‘slight chance that some rural communities could become cut off’, while bus and train services may be delayed or cancelled, with some road closures.
In addition, there is a chance of ‘injuries from slips and falls on icy surfaces’ and ‘travel delays on roads with some stranded vehicles and passengers, along with delayed or cancelled rail and air travel’.
For this warning, the Met Office said spells of rain, sleet and snow are likely during Monday and overnight into Tuesday morning.
Forecasters said the ‘most likely scenario’ is for most of the snow to fall on high ground, with 5cm (2in) to 10cm (4in) possible above 1,000ft (300m) and perhaps as much as 15cm (6in) to 20cm (8in) above 1,300ft (400m).
They added: ‘There is a small chance of snow settling at lower levels, where 5cm to 10cm would prove much more disruptive, but this is very uncertain.
‘As rain, sleet and snow clear on Tuesday morning, ice may form on untreated surfaces.’
Met Office deputy chief meteorologist Rebekah Hicks said: ‘A notable early winter cold spell will arrive across the north from Sunday and will likely reach all parts of the UK by midweek.
‘Temperatures will drop as a northerly airflow develops, bringing in colder Arctic air. This introduces the possibility of snow, initially over high ground in the north from Sunday, with gusty winds also a potential hazard.’
A man plays with his dog by the River Thames in London today ahead of temperatures falling
Autumnal trees in the South Downs National Park near Petersfield in Hampshire this morning
A dog running along the Southbank in London today following a very dry start to November
A man walks dogs on a path in London today amid the autumnal colours on the trees
Blackpool Tower covered in fog with only the building’s tip poking out above mist yesterday
An aerial view of the Royal Liver Building in Liverpool surrounded by fog yesterday
The Met Office said that there was ‘currently much uncertainty in what we might see next week, with computer models showing a number of different scenarios’.
Ms Hicks added: ‘There is a lot of uncertainty in what might happen after Sunday, but there are a number of scenarios which could bring some more widespread rain, along with some hill snow and stronger winds.
‘It is possible that there may be some more widespread snowfall across lower ground, but the chance of this for any given region is low at this stage.
‘What we do know is that the whole of the UK is likely to experience a spell of several days of cold, potentially disruptive weather next week.’
Met Office meteorologist Tom Morgan said: ‘The really cold air is likely to arrive next week and there will be some snow in parts of the UK.
‘There’ll be a messy mixture of rain, sleet and snow.
‘And also quite windy conditions, probably on Monday, in parts of the UK, but all areas will turn cold with wintry showers probably by Wednesday.
‘If you’ve got travel plans next week, it’s worth making sure your car is all geared up for winter conditions.’
SNOW AND ICE WARNING 1: Alert for northern Scotland from Sunday 4pm until Monday 11am
SNOW AND ICE WARNING 2: An alert for a wider area from Monday 10am until Tuesday 10am
He added: ‘It is fairly unusual in the south. It’s quite early in the month for a cold spell such as this.
‘We often have rapid changes in the weather in the UK, the main reason for the big change next week is a sudden change in the orientation of the jet stream.
‘At this point, anywhere in the UK has a chance of seeing snow and ice and frost by night, particularly from mid-week onwards.’
So far this November, temperatures in the UK have been above average in general, as parts of the North West were hit with thick fog yesterday.
Pictures showed Blackpool Tower covered in fog with only the tip of the 158-metre building poking out above a blanket of mist.
Mr Morgan said: ‘Usually at this time of year, fog is slow to clear because we have very short days and the sun’s at its weakest point.
‘So there’s not much heating of the ground and it’s the heating that usually disperses the fog, so we’ve seen some areas not really improve.
‘The main reason (for the fog) is high pressure, light winds, a temperature inversion and stagnation of the air allowing that fog to form overnight and not clear in the day.’
The Met Office defines a temperature inversion as a phenomenon in which it gets hotter the higher up in the atmosphere one goes.
The AA advised night-time and early-morning drivers to ‘keep their wits about them as fog becomes likely in some parts of the UK’, and to check their vehicles.
Chris Wood, AA patrol of the year, said: ‘During late autumn, as well as checking all your lights and tyres (including the spare), it’s very important to maintain clear vision.
‘Top up the windscreen wash with a good quality, purpose-made additive to reduce the chance of freezing.
‘While you’re at it, run your finger down the wiper blades to check for nicks and tears, as they tend to last for two years at the most.
‘Also give the windscreen a thorough clean, inside and out, as a layer of grime quickly builds up and you’d be surprised what a difference it makes at reducing dazzle.’
RAC Breakdown also warned drivers to look out for the effects of a cold spell on car batteries.
RAC Breakdown spokeswoman Alice Simpson said: ‘Frost, ice and snow all put more strain on car batteries so if a vehicle struggles to start, it’s either a sign that the battery needs charging or that it’s about to fail altogether and needs replacing.
‘We strongly suggest drivers get their battery checked by a mobile mechanic or garage as soon as possible.
‘Taking your car for a 30-minute drive before you need it and switching all electrics off when you finish your journey are effective ways to reduce the chances of an unwanted flat start.
‘In freezing conditions, it’s also well worth packing a blanket, warm waterproof coat and gloves, sturdy boots and a mobile power bank for all eventualities.’
Age Scotland’s chief executive Katherine Crawford issued a series of tips for how people could help the elderly during the cold spell.
She said: ‘There are simple steps we can all take to ensure no one feels they are facing this period alone.
‘Bad weather may make it difficult for people to get out for essential shopping or medical appointments, so we’d urge everyone to check in on older family, friends and neighbours during this period to find out if they need any extra support.
‘A friendly phone call or an offer to help with shopping, collecting prescriptions or de-icing paths could be a lifeline for someone who feels isolated at home during this cold spell.’
Dr Siama Latif, NHS 24’s Associate Medical Director said: ‘When the weather gets colder this can have an impact on everyone’s health and wellbeing, but especially those who could be considered vulnerable, such as the very young, the elderly, or those with long-term health conditions.
‘If you need to be out and about during a cold spell, make sure you wrap up warmly and wear shoes with good grip to try and avoid any slips, trips, or falls.’
NHS 24 is Scotland’s provider of digital and telephone-based health and care services, including the 111-service and NHS inform.