UK weather: Arctic blast set to hit as temperatures plummet to -4C next week, Met Office forecast

Cold weather charts have turned blue, indicating a Polar freeze that could see parts of the country experience temperatures as low as -4C by November 2.

Netweather’s forecast shows that the first chill will hit Scotland, with the Cairngorms near Aviemore expected to drop to -4C, while many regions across the country will experience sub-zero temperatures. As far south as North Wales, the mercury is predicted to fall to around 0C, and much of England will also feel the chill, with temperatures barely rising above 5C in the southwest. This early taste of winter could bring frosty mornings and the potential for fog, which may linger in some areas.

The Met Office has warned of a "brisk westerly flow" set to bring Atlantic weather systems across the British Isles over the coming weeks. According to its long-range forecast for October 26 to November 4, temperatures are likely to be "closer to average than of late," although there will be a significant shift from the unseasonably mild conditions experienced in recent weeks.

The forecast continues: "Some longer spells of rain may spread erratically southeastwards across parts of the UK at the start of the weekend, especially in the north and perhaps accompanied by windy conditions." There is, however, hope for calmer weather, as a trend towards high pressure building close to the UK "later in the weekend and beyond into early November" could lead to "longer drier spells of weather, with an increased chance of frost and fog, which could be slow to clear in places."

WX Charts, an independent weather data source, supports these predictions, showing temperatures dipping to 0C in Wales, 2C in Birmingham, and 4C in London by early November. While there is no confirmed snowfall on the cards for this date, snow accumulation in parts of the Scottish Highlands is considered likely by the end of the month - a typical occurrence as winter approaches.

The Met Office also said that the northwestern regions might continue to see "breezy or windy" conditions with "occasional outbreaks of rain," even as other areas enjoy drier spells.