UK weather forecast: Temperatures set to plunge below zero as warmth gives way to frosty mornings

Freezing overnight temperatures possible as cooler weather begins to sweep country

Frost and freezing temperatures are expected to hit parts of the UK as a spell of colder weather begins to take hold this week.

Northern parts of Britain are likely to see some crisp mornings as autumn starts to set in, while the mercury could drop below zero on Tuesday night into Wednesday in the Scottish Highlands.

It comes after Storm Callum pummelled the country over the weekend, causing severe flooding in Wales and leaving at least three people dead.

At the same time, southern parts of England enjoyed unseasonably warm conditions, which look set to continue in the south east on Tuesday, where some places could see highs of 23C - before potentially falling into single figures at the weekend.

But more northern areas of the country are likely to experience significantly colder weather, especially overnight when temperatures may plummet.

“In terms of the lowest temperatures, we could see 0C, freezing, in some spots such as the Glens of Scotland overnight on Tuesday,” Met Office meteorologist Alex Burkill said.

“Good chunks of Northern Ireland and Scotland could also see the temperature drop in into the low single figures.”

Many areas will see clear conditions on Thursday and Friday, although parts of Scotland and Northern Ireland can expect damp days with patchy rain.

Temperatures will remain around 14 or 15C for most, which could feel more pleasant in the sunshine, the Met Office said.

However, the lack of cloud cover is likely to lead to more widespread cold weather overnight by Thursday, when a string of frosty, autumnal mornings could arrive.

Despite some reports to the contrary, the Met Office said it did not expect snow to fall in the UK during October.

However, forecasters have refused to rule out the possibility of small amounts of snowfall in isolated areas during November.

“As we get into November conditions look as if they are going to be quite changeable, particularly in the north,” Mr Burkill added.

“As the temperatures drop, it is likely we may see some more wintery weather, generally on high ground, although that really would be business as usual for this time of the year.”