Upcoming Weather Changes Across the UK
This week, temperatures across the country are predicted to soar, reaching highs of 15°C, but not before a bout of freezing rain impacts parts of Scotland. Starting Wednesday, a significant portion of the UK is expected to experience warmer conditions than the seasonal average, which typically hovers around 7.2°C.
However, a yellow weather warning has been issued by the Met Office for southern and central Scotland, where up to 5cm of snow is anticipated on Tuesday morning, accompanied by icy patches and freezing rain. Freezing rain occurs when raindrops freeze almost instantly upon contact with surfaces, creating hazardous conditions.
This phenomenon is relatively rare in the UK and generally arises when snowflakes melt through warmer air, only to descend through a thin layer of freezing air right before reaching the ground. The result is a layer of clear ice that can encase surfaces, transforming roads into treacherous ice rinks and potentially uprooting trees, as noted by the Met Office.
The conditions conducive to freezing rain are uncommon in the UK, often observed in other parts of the world, such as the United States. The weather warning is set to take effect from 3 am until midday on Tuesday, impacting southern regions of Scotland, including major cities like Glasgow, Edinburgh, and areas in the Scottish Borders. This may lead to disruptions in road, bus, and train services.
As we transition to Wednesday, temperatures are likely to start rising, potentially reaching an above-average 15-16°C in certain areas by Friday.
Met Office Insights on the Weather Shift
According to Stephen Dixon, a spokesman for the Met Office, “Much of the country will experience temperatures that exceed the average for this time of year. Even in northern Scotland, temperatures could climb to around 14°C on Thursday and Friday.” This rise in temperatures is not an unusual occurrence as spring approaches.
Dixon further elaborated, stating, “This isn’t massively out of the ordinary. We often find ourselves in a battleground between different weather patterns, and that situation is evident this week as we observe a shifting influence on our weather.” He cautioned, however, that while temperatures are increasing, the overall weather may not feel particularly spring-like, with wet and windy conditions forecasted for many areas on Thursday.
Throughout Thursday, much of the UK can expect rain, particularly in the west, accompanied by stronger winds. This rainy weather is expected to persist into Friday, especially across Wales, the western parts of Scotland, northern England, and some areas in the south-west. In contrast, regions further south, particularly in the south-east, may enjoy some sunshine amid the damp spell.
