2 weeks Ago By Richard Ashmore
A polar blast of air is set to the rampage across Britain with temperatures plummeting to -10C in some parts of the country. The icy conditions look set to grip the country from Tuesday, December 17 into Wednesday, December 18 and with the the mercury falling at night it will be chilly for Christmas Party season. Maps from WXCharts show a huge bulge of arctic air covering much of Northern Europe and Britain over these dates and freezing conditions will be felt as far south as Cornwall and the South East.
Scotland looks set to bear the brunt of the blizzard-like weather, with the Highlands in particular feeling the chill with most places between -5C and -10C, even in the daylight hours. According to the Met Office forecast for the week commencing Monday, December 16, there could frost and fog combined with the cold. A statement from the forecaster said: "Initially, high pressure is likely to be dominant, especially across the south, with relatively settled conditions likely overall.
"Frontal systems may still affect north and northwest UK at times. During the first few days of this period, however, a change to more unsettled conditions appears likely for a time, bringing a greater prevalence of rain and showers to most areas but especially the northwest. "Some of the showers could be wintry, especially on high ground.
Later in the month, there are signals that higher pressure may become re-established, with more settled conditions likely to develop, particularly across the south. "Temperatures are likely to be around average overall, with colder interludes bringing frost and fog." The cold weather later in the month appears to mirror conditions for this week, which the Met Office have said will be a return to colder conditions with the potential for wintry hazards in the north of the UK.
Met Office chief meteorologist, Steve Ramsdale, said: “Northerly winds are bringing chillier weather across the UK over Monday and Tuesday. "This brings the likelihood of some snow over higher ground in Scotland and northern England at times on Monday and Tuesday as well as a widespread frost here, particularly on Monday night.” During midweek the weather will become more unsettled but milder with rain and strong winds late on Wednesday and into Thursday.
Met Office five-day forecast Today: A band of cloud and rain will spread south through today, with colder air spreading across the country. Scattered showers and sunny spells will move into the north, with snow, hail and strong winds in northeast Scotland. Tonight: Largely dry tonight as rain clears to the south, apart from some showers along the east coast.
Cold with a frost for many, and some icy stretches in the east. Tuesday: Dry, bright and cold for many. Rain will move into Northern Ireland from late morning, pushing into western Scotland in the afternoon.
Rain will turn to snow across northern Scotland. Outlook for Wednesday to Friday: Largely dry, cold and bright on Wednesday. Turning milder from Thursday with outbreaks of rain and strong winds with coastal gales.
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