UK is change to cold weather on the way | WPN World People News

After the recent record breaking spell of wet, mild weather a marked change to colder weather is expected next week with frost, ice and snow for some places

The weather is on course to turn colder next week with a flavour of winter expected across much of the country as a north or northwesterly airflow becomes established over the UK.

Whilst this will be the first spell of wintry weather for many, particularly across England and Wales, the conditions expected are fairly typical for January and the winter season in the UK.

During the early part of next week cold air will spread southwards bringing the chance of frost, ice and, for some, the possibility of sleet, snow and hail. Daytime temperatures are likely to be in the range of 0-5C which will be particularly noticeable given the recent run of mild weather, especially across southern parts.

This switch to cold weather will be particularly noticeable given the recent mild conditions and the risk of frost and ice could catch motorists, pedestrians and cyclists out.

Mel Harrowsmith, Head of Civil Contingencies at the Met Office, said:

"For many the weather during the coming week is likely to be the first experience of winter, with either frost, wintry showers or even snow affecting many areas of the UK. With a marked change to colder conditions our Get ready for winter pages will help prepare for any wintry conditions they may encounter."

This change is associated with the movement of warm air northwards over the eastern United States this weekend, where heavy rain, snowfall and strong winds are forecast. This push of warm air northwards will lead to changes in the shape of the jet stream across the Atlantic and halt the progress of weather systems towards the UK. In turn this will allow cold air which is currently across northeast Europe to move westwards over the UK next week.

Looking ahead, the most likely scenario into the third week of January is a return to less cold weather as Atlantic weather systems try to push across the country, bringing rain and strong winds at times.

Source: Met Office