UK weather: Temperatures to hit 17C as 'subtropical surge' sees Britain as hot as Spain

Brits could be in for a snowy surprise by the end of the week but it will follow a mini heatwave at the end of October. The UK is set to bask in temperatures rivalling Madrid in Spain this week before a dramatic drop of up to 15C within hours.

The Scottish Highlands might see the mercury dip as low as -4C, with other areas hovering around zero, contrasting sharply with the balmy high teens expected in the next four days from October 29, as per WX Charts predictions. Wales and Northern Ireland are also forecasted to enjoy milder conditions between 13C and 15C.

The Met Office has hinted at the chance of snow in its long-range forecast for the next 10 days, with "some snow over high ground" being a distinct possibility as colder weather takes hold. While some regions will soak up the sunshine, others should prepare for cloud cover and potential rainfall.

A chill is on the horizon, with "snow showers" likely, particularly in the north, where temperatures are set to fall below average. This comes after forecasts of upcoming cloudy and foggy weather nationwide, though central and eastern parts may see less.

The long-range forecast from October 31 to November 9 reads: "Following the introduction of some colder air to many areas at the start of this period, with the potential for snow showers in at least northern Scotland, high pressure looks to be the dominant feature during the first part of November."

"The main uncertainty is in the position and orientation of the high, which will determine whether the UK remains in a relatively cold air mass or whether somewhat milder conditions return.

"Given the presence of high pressure, overnight frost and fog are more likely than normal, with temperatures perhaps more likely to be below average overall. Towards mid-November, there are hints that the high pressure may relax its grip on the UK, allowing rather more unsettled conditions to become established."

The charts show that temperatures could reach 18C in and around London on Wednesday, October 30, as reported by the Mirror. Northern England looks set to become similarly warm, with highs seeming set to climb as high as 17C.

In Elgin, Scotland, to the north of typically chilly Aberdeen, highs could reach 16C. These Halloween highs follow another recent burst of heat that saw temperatures in some parts of the country surge back into the 20C range.

Earlier this month, the Met Office said highs would surge to between 20C in "some spots" and added that maximums of 22C would not be "out of the question".