THE Met Office has warned of incoming “widespread frost” and fog with parts of Scotland predicted to plummet as low as -5C.
This is down to a bout of Arctic air moving in from the north caused by a mild Atlantic front, the forecaster has said.
Met Office deputy chief meteorologist Dan Harris said: “Early next week, following a brief more unsettled interlude, we expect to see a return to widely cold but quiet conditions.
“Some rain, or showers, are likely to affect some parts of the east coast and these could turn increasingly wintry over higher ground areas towards the middle of the week.
“Thereafter, confidence in the detailed forecast falls, which is typical when looking this far ahead. It does look as though there will be a trend towards something more unsettles, as areas of cloud and rain attempt to move across the UK.
“At present, the most likely outcome beyond mid-week is that rain from the west slowly moves east, with snow possible over higher ground, and a continued risk of showers over eastern parts.
“However, there is a chance that a more active weather system arrives from the southwest, which would bring more widespread rain, stronger winds, and the potential for more significant snowfall should the air over the UK become sufficiently cold ahead of it.”
Temperatures are expected to plummet to -5C over the weekend as a cold snap takes hold, with cold winds expected on Saturday night.
Speaking on Friday evening’s forecast, meteorologist Ellie Glaisyer said: “Temperatures down a touch compared to what we saw yesterday as well generally the mid to high single figures but with that northerly wind particularly across the north and the east it will be feeling much closer to freezing.
“As we go through Friday evening those clear skies will allow temperatures to drop quite quickly overnight so widespread frost developing as we go into the start of the weekend.
“Temperatures down around freezing particularly across Northern Ireland, parts of Scotland into Wales and south west England as well.”
Glasgow and the southwest of Scotland could see temperatures drop to -5C while the north will see lows of -2C.
