While the Met Office says Tuesday’s high was 22.7C recorded near Braintree, Essex, others forecasters have confirmed temperatures will drop rapidly in the coming days
A dusting of snow is expected in some parts of the UK in the coming days, meteorologists say.
A brutal band of low pressure looms to the northwest of the UK and slowly moves south as temperatures drop throughout the week. Although Tuesday saw a peak of 22.7C recorded near Braintree, Essex, the mercury is now expected to tumble – to daytime highs of just 6C on the weekend.
And it is said this change will allow for snow to fall in some areas, such as the Scottish Highlands, and other hilly parts. Jo Farrow, meteorologist at Netweather, writes on the firm’s blog: “A move around the UK might also bring a higher chance of seeing snow, especially if mountains and hills are nearby. The thunderstorm distribution could also change but some people like a lightning storm, others really don’t.”
The forecaster’s reference to a “move around the UK” alludes to students leaving home for university, believed to happen throughout this weekend ahead of “Welcome Weeks” on campus. However, with the weather changing dramatically, Ms Farrow warns families chances of seeing snow – particularly on Sunday – in their new environment are increasing.
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While the white stuff is unlikely to be disruptive, Ms Farrow notes it because she suggests pack plenty of coats for the first semester. Netweather’s blog adds: “You will need that waterproof coat as weather systems run in from the Atlantic, making Northern Ireland, NW England and Wales wetter parts of Britain. For those heading north, you might even need thermals in a few months.
“The forecast for Sunday might bring heavier rain and windy weather for Northern Ireland and Scotland. Just something to keep an eye on if you are travelling later in the weekend. A move around the UK might also bring a higher chance of seeing snow, especially if mountains and hills are nearby.
“Most thoughts might be about making friends, study and food or cooking, perhaps for the first time. However, do think about this change of seasons, along with your change of location. Yes, Scotland to southern England will be warmer, but by November you’ll be wanting that warm coat, rather than shorts and sandals in your tiny Uni hall wardrobe.”
It has been rainy this week, particularly across south Wales and Southwest of England. More than 18mm fell in Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire, and 13mm battered Cardinham, Cornwall, on Tuesday alone. It has led to several flood warnings and alerts, such as a warning for the South Cornwall coast from Gribbin Head to Rame Head.
Looking ahead to the period from Sunday September 14 to Tuesday September 23, the Met Office website reads: “Generally unsettled with low pressure dominating much of the period. This will mean showers or longer spells of rain will affect most of the UK at times, hail and thunder possible. Potential for a deeper area of low pressure to run close to or into the UK later in the weekend bringing more widespread rain and strong winds or gales.”