Britain can expect a return to colder weather with a chance of snow for some just days after the UK enjoyed the warmest day of the year so far.
Much of the country enjoyed balmy conditions this week, with temperatures peaking at around 20C on Wednesday.
But forecasters warned temperatures have peaked for now and are expected to plummet from Sunday, and fall to single digits by Wednesday, bringing a return to wintry weather for some areas.
Temperatures are expected to hover at or just below average, with frequent showers and blustery winds, the Met Office said.
Met Office meteorologist Alex Deakin said Wednesday will signal a “cold plunge”, with snow possible in Scotland, which recorded its warmest day of the year on Friday, with a peak of 20.2C recorded in Fyvie Castle, Aberdeenshire.
He said: “If we look at the temperature profile for the next few days, then we really notice that difference by the time we get to Wednesday.
“Temperatures by Wednesday [will be] single digits for many, and that’s the max, so it’s going to get cold at night. Probably the peak of that cold will be on Wednesday night, that’s when the cold plunge really comes in.”
Parts of northern Scotland could see snow on Wednesday night and into Thursday morning, which would be a “shock to the system” after the fine weather enjoyed by many this week, Mr Deakin said.
“We could easily see some snow over the hills in Scotland. Nothing unusual about that at this time of year, but it will feel different because it has been so warm and sunny for many of us over recent times, so you’ll get that shock to the system,” he said.
Rain and wind will ease later in the week, but temperatures are likely to remain cool, with the potential for overnight frost in some areas, the Met Office said.
After a couple more fine days, the weather is turning.
Big temperature swings are common for this time of year and many places next week will struggle to reach double digits. Northern Scotland may even see snow, as Alex Deakin explains.https://t.co/zTxSih5swp
Here’s a look at the five-day weather forecast:
Today
Areas of low cloud, mist and fog will gradually lift to leave a mainly dry day with plenty of sunshine. However, thicker cloud will affect central, northern and western parts of Scotland giving patchy rain. Feeling warm in the sunshine.
Tonight
Turning cloudy and breezy across Scotland and Northern Ireland overnight. Some rain, especially towards the north and west. Clearer elsewhere, with patchy frost and some low cloud and fog returning.
Sunday
Patchy rain will move southeastwards across the UK. Some sunshine developing across southern England after a locally foggy start. Brighter, colder weather arriving in the northwest, with some blustery showers.
Outlook for Monday to Wednesday:
Turning wet and windy in the north on Monday. Elsewhere fog clearing, then bright spells. Rain clearing southeastwards on Tuesday. Cold and windy midweek with sunshine and showers, some wintry.
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