Snow and blizzards expected to hit Britain as a result of a phenomenon known as Sudden Stratospheric Warming (SSW) will arrive in a few weeks, according to the Met Office, as temperatures remain mild this week.
An SSW could hit Britain at the end of February, according to the forecaster, with maps and separate forecasts indicating that the first snowfall would arrive on March 3 and spark a 24-hour snow blitz in the North Sea.
The 'Sudden Stratospheric Warming' phenomenon isn't expected until March
(Photo : Leon Neal/Getty Images)
Temperatures have been mild, with the Met Office forecasting a fairly cloudy but mostly dry Tuesday for the UK, with some sunny spells in the east, as per the Independent.
Asked on Twitter if the SSW could trigger a so-called "Beast from the East" cold snap, the Met Office tweeted that though it currently looks unlikely, we cannot entirely rule out the risk of a more significant spell of colder weather late in the period.
The Met Office referred to its long-term forecast, which indicates that there is an increased probability of colder-than-average conditions developing as the month progresses, though confidence remains low.
Meanwhile, a smaller amount of snow may fall in higher northern areas this week, but the return of colder temperatures will mostly bring rain and drizzle to the northwest hilly regions.
Early morning temperatures are expected to be around 8 degrees Celsius in the south and 9 to 10 degrees Celsius in the north and Scotland, gradually rising to 12 to 14 degrees Celsius throughout the day.
Temperatures were slightly above average at the start of the week, but the weather is expected to change as mildly colder air from the Atlantic moves in by the evening.
Temperatures will fall as a result, with Wednesday expected to be a cooler day overall, with the return of snow in some northern areas, with the mercury dropping to -2C.
Cloud cover and gusty winds kept temperatures mild in most areas overnight, though they dropped into the low single digits in the southwest.
The north-south divide continued on Monday, with the wettest weather across northwest Scotland, while it was another mild day for the time of year further south.
The Met Office predicts a gradual cooling down towards midweek, with rain or showers on Wednesday and Thursday and brighter interludes in between.
Daytime temperatures are expected to remain normal, but some nights may become frosty as the weather cools and brightens by Friday.
Also read: Heatwave to Hit the UK in April and Climate Change is to Blame: Met Office Forecast
5-day forecast
While winter appears to be winding down with lighter evenings and milder weather, you may be wondering if the cold season is truly over for another year, as per London World.
However, despite the unusually mild temperatures across London this week, you may be in for a surprise when the temperature drops again in a few days.
In her forecast, BBC meteorologist Helen Willets discussed the unusual temperatures, saying that the warm temperatures are due to Atlantic air moving across the UK this week, but they won't last long.
According to the Met Office website, widespread frost and wintry showers are expected across the UK beginning February 25.
Willets said that behind this weather front, residents can expect a change in wind direction, which will bring a chillier feel for many of us, a lot of clouds, and some rain, with the rain dragging its heels to clear in the southeast and East Anglia, and something a little wintry over the hills, but it is February after all.
While there may be a few wintry flurries moving southwards Wednesday night into Thursday, I believe the main thing Thursday morning will be chill.
A fairly widespread frost has returned for many, and it will not be the only frost we see in the coming nights with a High-pressure ridge.
The Met Office predicts a cloudy but mostly dry day today, with some brighter spells possible.
Mild winds are forecast, with a high temperature of 11 °C.
Cloud will thicken throughout the night, but it will remain mostly dry until after midnight, when rain will move in from the west.
The minimum temperature is 3 degrees Celsius.
Most of the day will be cloudy, with heavy rain falling on Wednesday morning.
However, rain is expected to ease throughout the afternoon until the evening, when more showers are expected. The maximum temperature is 9 degrees Celsius.
Thursday will be cloudy with patchy rain, then dry and bright by evening. Friday will be mostly sunny with a few showers, but Saturday will be mostly dry with sunny spells.
Related article: UK Weather Update: Met Office Warns of Dangerous Snow, Ice Conditions; Flood Warnings Reported
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