UK braced for cold snap with Arctic winds set to cause ‘shock to the system’

But temperatures should return towards average by the weekend, the Met Office said

Arctic winds are expected to cause a cold snap in the next few days (Yui Mok/PA Wire)

The UK will suffer an “unseasonably cold” few days as Arctic winds sweep across large parts of the country.

Friday morning may be a “shock to the system” and is likely to be the coldest it gets this week, as cold air is expected to bring temperatures down to around 4 to 6C below average for this time of year.

Jonathan Vautrey of the Met Office said: “Many of us will see temperatures in the mid-teens – around 13 to 14C – whereas normally at this time of year it would be at least 16 to 18C, if not closer towards 19 to 20C in the far South East, places like London.”

Temperatures could even go below freezing in some areas over Thursday night (Met Office)

But some areas further north will see temperatures drop to “single figures” as a result of strong winds, particularly from Thursday night going into Friday, with temperatures in some areas potentially falling below freezing.

Mr Vautrey added: “We could see some patchy frost developing in rural areas across all nations of the UK, particularly Scotland.

“For people waking up on Friday morning it could be quite a shock to the system as they’re walking out of the door.”

The highest peaks in Scotland may see some snowfall as a result of the frosty temperatures.

“There is a small chance of some snow falling over the highest mountains of Scotland, but you’ll have to hike quite a way before you see any snow,” Mr Vautrey said.

Temperatures will climb back towards average as warm air pushes the Arctic front back going into the weekend (Met Office)

Forecast for the week ahead

Earlier in the week on Wednesday, wet, windy and cold weather will prevail as the cold front moves in, with scattered and blustery showers widespread in the North and West.

Showers will continue into Thursday but be accompanied by some sunshine in many areas, as the weather becomes a little drier and less windy throughout the day - before the UK sees its coldest night going into Friday.

Despite the frosty temperatures, Friday will be largely dry across the UK, until a front of rain strikes the North West later in the evening.

Friday will be the end of the cold snap as temperatures begin to climb back up by the weekend, as warmer air “pushes back” against the cool Arctic winds, the Met Office said.

The Met Office added: “Looking further ahead, milder air from the Atlantic is expected to push back across the country later on Friday and more especially into the weekend, cutting off the cold air from the north and seeing a return to temperatures nearer average for the time of year.”

After a weekend of rain for those in southern areas, many will be hoping for more pleasant autumnal weather from this weekend onwards.

In its long-range forecast from Sunday 15 September until Tuesday 24 September, the forecaster predicts temperatures are “likely to be on the warmer side of average, but with settled conditions warm days could be offset by a few chilly nights”.

The Met Office added: “Towards the end of this period there is a signal that the more settled conditions may cease.”