UK weather: Exact date 'extremely dangerous' freezing rain phenomenon will hit
Weather maps show a brutal Arctic blast ahead with temperatures set to drop to -2C in parts of the country - we could also see rare and very dangerous freezing rain
Brits look set for an Arctic blast in the coming weeks when temperatures could plummet to -2C - and we could see dangerous freezing rain as well as snow.
After a mild spell of weather earlier this month, it has become notably more chilly and unsettled with low pressure systems sweeping in from the Atlantic. We could see some snow flakes over higher ground this week, but it is in November when it will become notably colder.
Maps from WXCharts show the mercury in single figures in the first week of November and then, by November 12, below zero in much of Scotland with a low of -2C.
A map for midnight on November 11 shows snow for central and southern parts of Scotland as well as an orange patch denoting the freezing rain.
This weather phenomenon is particularly dangerous for driving as it can produce a clear layer of clear ice. The Met Office describes it as “a rare type of liquid precipitation that strikes a cold surface, and freezes almost instantly”.
The national agency says: “The weight of the ice can sometimes be heavy enough to bring down trees and power lines, and the glaze of ice on the ground effectively turns roads and pathways into an ice rink. The freezing rain can also prove extremely hazardous for aircraft.”
The Met Office predicts we could see overnight fog and frost for mid to late November. In a forecast from November 11 to 25 it states: “Unsettled conditions will probably be dominant across the UK at first, with showers or longer spells of rain for many areas and a risk of strong winds. Temperatures are expected to be around normal.
"During the second half of November, the most probable outcome is for increasing amounts of dry and fine weather, although with some overnight fog and frost. Any wetter spells are most likely to affect the north of the UK.”
For the first 10 days of November, we are set for more unsettled weather which could bring heavy rain and strong winds with "severe gales" a possibility.
The Met Office states: "The changeable and at times unsettled weather is likely to continue through early November, with low pressure dominating the UK and surrounding regions. This means further showers or longer spells of rain at times. All parts could see some heavy rain at times, but it is likely that western areas will be wettest.
"Equally there should also be some, at least brief, drier or clearer interludes, these most prevalent further east. Strong winds are likely from time to time, with gales or severe gales a possibility. With winds predominantly blowing from a westerly or southwesterly quadrant, above average temperatures are more likely, especially at first, with a reduced incidence of overnight frost and fog, compared to normal."