UK weather: Maps turn icy blue as polar blast forecast to smash Britain in just days

The UK is set for an icy blast ahead as weather maps turn blue with freezing temperatures expected along with snow on higher ground after the current mild spell

Brits are set for an icy start to November in an icy blast with temperatures dropping to freezing.

Maps from WXCharts show the country turning blue on November 1, and there could also be some snow on higher ground in Scotland. While there has been plenty of rain recently, the temperatures have been above normal and into the 20Cs in some areas of the UK this week.

But inevitably, as the nights draw in and we head toward the winter months, there will be some frost on the horizon and snow as we head into November, according to weather maps.

The Met Office said that temperatures could be below average for the time of year at the end of the month with frost and “chilly nights”. It states: “Towards the end of October there are signs that, whilst northwestern areas may continue to see some rain at times, high pressure may become increasingly influential across the UK, potentially bringing more widely settled and drier conditions for longer periods.

“This would bring an increased chance of overnight frost, and also fog which could linger during the mornings. Where high pressure does develop, temperatures will be around or below average for the time of year, with some chilly nights and early mornings likely.”

And then into November the overnight frost could become more widespread. The national weather agency continued: “Into early November, high pressure is likely to dominate, potentially leading to longer spells of dry weather. There is a chance of overnight frost and fog becoming rather more widespread too.

"Large temperature fluctuations from day to night are probable, with relatively mild days where fog doesn't linger, and cold frosty nights. Towards mid-November, high pressure may become more focussed towards the northwest of the UK, allowing a gradual trend towards less settled conditions, especially for more southern and eastern areas.”

Before that though it is expected to turn wet and windy this weekend with a low pressure system moving in There are yellow weather warnings from the Met Office for wind on Friday, Sunday and Monday.

Met Office Chief Meteorologist Jason Kelly said: “A period of strong south to southeasterly winds is likely across western Scotland on Friday morning into the early afternoon, before easing and turning southwesterly through the afternoon.

“Wind gusts of 45-55mph are possible fairly widely for a time, and perhaps in excess of 60mph in more exposed locations. Given the wind direction and high spring tides, some disruption is possible.”