The cold weather that has gripped much of the UK over the past week is expected to continue into next week, according to the latest weather forecasts from the Met Office. Many parts of the country have experienced below average temperatures and wintry conditions recently, and more of the same is on the horizon. There are even indications that some regions could see snow by the middle of next week as an area of low pressure moves in from the north.
Sustained Cold Spell
Met Office Chief Meteorologist Steve Willington said that the UK is currently in the midst of a sustained spell of cold weather that is forecast to last through at least the early part of next week. High pressure is dominating the weather pattern over and around the UK, resulting in lighter winds and clear skies at night which allows temperatures to plummet. Day time temperatures have generally been struggling to get above freezing in many areas. Night time lows have routinely dipped into the mid-teens or even lower in some rural spots.
This prolonged cold spell is well below normal for this time of year. Average daytime highs for early December in the UK are around 7-9°C. Overnight lows usually hover in the 1-3°C range. However, daytime maximums over the past week have mostly been in the 2-5°C range, with overnight minimums of -2°C or lower in rural areas. The cold is expected to persist through at least the weekend under the influence of the high pressure system parked nearby.
Potential Snow Event Mid-Week
While the weather looks to remain cold and settled through the weekend, things could turn more unsettled early next week as low pressure approaches from the north. There is a chance that this area of low pressure could bring some snow to parts of the UK by the middle of next week. Willington stated that confidence in any potential snowfall is still relatively low at this point, around 4-5 days in advance. However, some computer forecast models are indicating that snow could fall over higher ground in northern England and Scotland initially, with a risk of some snow reaching down to lower elevations later Tuesday into Wednesday.
The exact track of the incoming low pressure system and associated weather fronts will be crucial in determining where any snow may fall and how much accumulation there is. Snow is always possible this time of year in the UK given the latitude. But given how cold it has already been, any snow that does fall next week stands a good chance of settling and causing some travel disruptions, at least over higher ground at first. The Met Office will be monitoring the development of this potential snow event closely over the coming days as more forecast data becomes available.
Cold Weather Health Risks
With the cold spell looking likely to persist, public health officials are reminding people of the risks posed by prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures, especially for vulnerable groups. Prolonged periods of cold weather can be dangerous, as it increases the risks of circulatory problems, heart attacks and strokes. Hypothermia is also a risk if body heat is lost faster than it can be replaced. The very young, elderly and those with pre-existing medical conditions are most at risk.
The NHS is advising people to maintain indoor heating at a minimum of 18°C, wear several layers of lightweight clothing rather than one thick layer, eat regular hot meals and drinks, and limit time outdoors if possible. Anyone experiencing chest pains, shortness of breath or feelings of confusion and drowsiness should seek medical help immediately, as these can be signs of serious health issues brought on by the cold like heart attacks or hypothermia. Local authorities are also coordinating with shelters and community groups to ensure help is available for the homeless population.
Cold Spell to Gradually Ease Later Next Week
While the cold weather looks set to persist into early next week, the Met Office forecasts that temperatures should start to gradually rise above average later in the week as high pressure shifts east and milder air from the west gets pulled in. By the following weekend of December 17-18, daytime highs could reach the 6-8°C range across many areas, closer to normal for this time of year. Overnight lows may still dip close to freezing, but the prolonged spell of bitter cold gripping the UK for over a week will finally come to an end. However, there remains a lot of uncertainty in the extended forecast, so colder interludes can’t be ruled out even by the third week of December.
The UK can expect at least another few days of cold weather with below freezing temperatures by day and night. There is a risk of some snow, mainly over northern England and Scotland, by the middle of next week as low pressure approaches. The cold spell may finally start to ease by the following weekend as milder air moves in from the west. But this December has shown that cold, wintry conditions remain possible even in the latter half of the month. The Met Office will continue monitoring the forecast closely for any significant weather risks over the coming days and weeks.
