UK Weather: 'Indian summer' will see temperatures rise next week bringing end to cold snap, Met Office say

The UK is currently experiencing a cold snap with the Met Office going so far as to tweet: "Hot water bottles at the ready, tonight will be the chilliest of this week's cold spell. Frost is possible in rural locations as temperatures tumble away. Be prepared to potentially scrape the car window first thing on Friday morning."

This Arctic chill, brought by cold northerly winds from Scandinavia, is keeping daytime temperatures low, especially in the north, where they will barely rise into double figures. In the southeast, temperatures will reach a maximum of only 15°C.

However, forecasters, including the Met Office, are predicting a warmer period just days away. Despite continued showery outbreaks over the weekend, a new high-pressure front is expected to arrive by the middle of next week. This will bring "dry" and "sunny" conditions to the "majority" of the UK, according to the Met Office. By next Tuesday, temperatures could rise to 22-23°C in London, with the north seeing temperatures approaching 20°C.

The Met Office's long-range forecast for Monday (September 16) to Wednesday (September 25) says: "Cloud and outbreaks of rain, perhaps heavy in places, are expected to affect some northern areas at the start of this period. Further south, it is likely to be dry with spells of sunshine. Temperatures will mainly be close to average for the time of year."

The forecast continues: "Through the middle and latter part of next week, high pressure will begin to become more dominant, with dry and at times sunny conditions spreading across the majority of the UK. Temperatures during the day will probably be above average in many areas, although some cold nights are also possible.

“This pattern will probably persist through the rest of this period, although by late September there is a chance that more unsettled conditions may begin to develop."

Met Office 5-day weather forecast

Thursday evening (September 12)

Showers lingering across northern and eastern coasts overnight where it will remain breezy but easing elsewhere. Dry with light winds and long clear spells leading to a colder night that previous nights with patchy mist and widespread frost forming.

Friday

After a chilly start it will be a mostly dry day with plenty of sunny spells. Feeling a little warmer than previous days. Rain arriving in the northwest later.

Outlook for Saturday to Monday

Dry for much of England and Wales through this period, with sunny spells. Cloudier for Northern Ireland, Scotland and northwest England, with outbreaks of rain. Temperatures returning nearer to average.