Winter is in the air

Photo: Met Office

Winter is in the air

So far this month, temperatures across the country have been mild for the time of year, but from this week - it’s going to feel a lot more seasonal. It's time to dig out your winter woolies!

Mild southerly winds will be replaced by colder easterly winds from Europe, as high pressure becomes established to the north east of the UK.

Will Lang, Chief Meteorologist at the Met Office, said: “Temperatures so far this month have been very mild, with some places last week seeing highs of 16 or 17 Celsius.  However, from Monday 19  November temperatures will fall markedly as easterly winds bring much colder air across the country, limiting temperatures by day to between 6 and 9 Celsius.

“It’s certainly going to feel noticeably colder – especially in the east with the keen easterly breeze - however it won’t be out of the ordinary for the time of year.”

The highest temperature so far this month of 18 Celsius was recorded on 5 November at Otterbourne Waterworks, Winchester – almost ten degrees higher than what might be expected for the UK in November. By contrast, temperatures this week will be 2 or 3 degrees below average for the time of year.

Easterly winds in November can bring dry and frosty weather to the UK, but can also bring significant snowfall too, such as at the end of November 2010.

So what type of weather can we expect this week?

Chief Meteorologist, Will Lang said: “Although many places will be dry, some rain showers are possible for eastern parts of England, Scotland and Northern Ireland, becoming more frequent by mid-week.

"At the moment there is little signal for significant wintry conditions, with any snow most likely across higher ground in Scotland and northern England.  Temperatures will fall close to or below freezing for many, with frosts increasingly likely through the week.

"At the moment, it looks like the cold spell will last until at least the end of next week and possibly into the start of December.

"There are some signs we may see snowfall to lower levels by then, although it is too early to say with confidence.”