Weather Outlook: Fog and Rain to Precede Colder Conditions
This week, parts of the UK are set to experience fog and rain, with a yellow fog warning in effect overnight for regions of central England and Wales. Following this, colder and increasingly frosty weather is expected to spread southward.
On Monday, many areas will enjoy largely dry conditions with occasional sunny spells, although patches of mist and fog may linger throughout the day. Winds will pick up in the southwest as clouds begin to thicken and rain showers make their way into the region.
As night falls on Monday, fog will envelop parts of central and northern England and Wales, while the southern and southwestern areas will experience sporadic rain, extending into southeast England and southern Wales. Frost is anticipated in northern regions, particularly in rural Scotland, where conditions will be most pronounced.
Forecast for Midweek: Transition to Colder Weather
According to Jason Kelly, Chief Meteorologist at the Met Office, the persistent high pressure has resulted in light winds and clear skies, creating ideal conditions for fog formation. The weak November sunshine has contributed to a slow dissipation of this fog.
Kelly noted, “We’re expecting one more night of dense fog, with a warning in place for some areas. Increasing cloud and wind should then limit further widespread fog from developing.” During Tuesday, cloud cover and rain will spread north across much of England and Wales, with the possibility of heavier bursts in the southwest. Despite this, many areas will remain dry, enjoying occasional sunny intervals, though fog and low cloud may persist in some locations. Temperatures are projected to hover around or slightly below average.
Tuesday night will see continued cloudiness over southern regions, with further rain expected, particularly heavy in the southwest. Conversely, clearer skies in the north will facilitate the formation of frost, accompanied by patches of fog.
Weather Changes Ahead: Cold Front Approaching
By Wednesday, colder air will begin to sweep into the northern parts of the UK. Rain is forecasted to persist in southern England and Wales, while showers will move southward across Scotland, potentially turning wintry in the far north and northeast. Strong winds are also anticipated in northernmost regions.
Kelly elaborated, “Snow showers could briefly occur on lower ground in northern Scotland and the Northern Isles, particularly in Shetland, overnight from Wednesday into Thursday. However, any settling snow is likely to be confined to higher elevations, which is typical for this time of year.”
As Thursday and Friday approach, colder air will progressively extend further south across the UK. Most areas are expected to experience dry conditions interspersed with clear or sunny spells, though showers may linger in the north and eastern parts, with some of these being wintry over higher ground in Scotland.
Temperatures are anticipated to drop below average by Thursday, particularly on Friday, leading to widespread frost. The far northeast will experience particularly low temperatures, exacerbated by stronger winds.
Weekend Weather: Potential for Change
Looking ahead to the weekend, there is some uncertainty regarding the pace of changing weather conditions. High pressure is expected to shift towards continental Europe, paving the way for Atlantic weather systems to become more influential.
As a result, the cold snap may become less pervasive, with temperatures likely returning closer to seasonal averages, along with the possibility of rain later in the weekend.