Temperatures will feel as cold as -2C
A frosty winter morning at Bristol Harbourside(Image: Bristol Post)
A dramatic change in temperature could deliver freezing conditions in Bristol next week as some parts of the UK see snow.
An ‘Arctic blast’ could bring the white stuff to the South West later in the week, as weather maps show a massive snow band preparing to sweep across Britain.
While the Met Office is not currently predicting snow in Bristol, the mercury will still plummet compared to the highs of 11C seen this weekend. Temperatures look set to fall throughout the week to reach a low of 0C by 6am on Friday (November 21).
On Thursday, the ‘feels like’ temperature will be a chilly -2C, taking into account wind speed. Sunny spells are expected during the cold snap, though, which will be a welcome change for many after the flooding chaos brought by Storm Claudia.
The Met Office issued a statement yesterday (Saturday) confirming the likelihood of snow and ice in some parts of the country.
Met Office deputy chief meteorologist Dan Holley said: “As Storm Claudia retreats to the south, high pressure to the northwest will drive a cold northerly flow from the Arctic across the UK.
“This will bring much colder conditions than of late and, whilst generally drier than recent days, there will also be a risk of wintry hazards, such as snow and ice.
“There will be widespread frosts across the UK, with temperatures dipping as low as -7°C in places next week, and daytime temperatures staying in single figures across the country. Couple this with a brisk northerly wind, and there will be a marked wind chill.
“This will be a notable change in our weather after a prolonged spell of above-average temperatures. People should keep an eye on the forecast in their area as it is possible warnings may be issued for snow and ice at times.”
Temperatures dropped to -7C in Tulloch Bridge in the Highlands on Saturday night, the lowest since March 20, the Met Office said.
The UK Health Security Agency has issued a cold weather warning for parts of the Midlands and northern England from Monday, while the Environment Agency has warned flooding will continue throughout the weekend.
The cold weather alert is in place from 8am on Monday until 8am next Friday and covers the East Midlands, West Midlands, North East, North West and Yorkshire and the Humber.