Why temperatures are set to plummet across the UK this week

Environment
12 May 2026 • 4:19 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

Why temperatures are set to plummet across the UK this week

  • An Arctic air movement is expected to bring colder-than-average temperatures and ground frost to the UK over the next few days.
  • A brisk northerly breeze will make temperatures feel even colder, with overnight lows potentially dropping to around freezing.
  • Daytime temperatures will decrease, with some eastern locations struggling to reach double figures, a stark contrast to the warm start of May.
  • The Met Office states this pattern is not unusual for spring and does not anticipate issuing any weather warnings, though some wintry showers are possible in the Scottish mountains.
  • The weather is expected to remain chilly with scattered showers through Thursday, before becoming more settled and brighter by Friday.

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