Exact date snow maps turn blue as UK to be hit by -4C freeze

UK snow maps have turned a frosty blue as the nation prepares for a bitter cold snap, with mid-autumn taking on a decidedly wintry feel in some regions. Millions of Brits will have noticed the arrival of a sharp, cold wind, with temperatures dropping several degrees after what was, until recently, a relatively mild November.

Temperatures across most of the country have fallen into the low to mid single digits and are set to drop even further in the coming days, according to weather maps. The latest charts from WXCharts reveal that a large area of low pressure is heading towards the UK from the Arctic Circle, which could push temperatures even lower.

The maps suggest that some areas could see temperatures fall below zero for the first time since winter 2023 ended. Minimum temperature maps show the cold spell mainly affecting northern England and Scotland as it arrives from the north, with the coldest temperatures expected along the coast of the Highlands.

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Whereas it will get a bit more chilly in the West Midlands, further north it will be well into the minus figures. The mercury is set to hit -4C on November 19, with -2C and -1C to the west of Inverness. Parts of the country further south will also experience low temperatures, with 0C forecast around Fort William and Glencoe and in Edinburgh and Newcastle.

Temperatures are not expected to rise above 7C for the rest of the day, according to the maps, with the west coast of Wales and England being the warmest, reports the Mirror.

Brace yourselves for a chilly spell as WXCharts forecasts minimum lows to linger around 1C and 2C, with the highest snow probabilities in northernmost Scotland, particularly around Ullapool. The rest of the UK should prepare for a rainy November, continuing the soggy conditions that started in late October.

According to the Met Office's long-range forecast, from November 13 to 22, high pressure will usher clouds towards the UK, increasing the likelihood of "showers or longer spells" of rain, especially in northern and eastern regions which are set to face the most "unsettled conditions". The forecast details: "High pressure from early in the week is likely reducing its influence during the middle of next week, though to an uncertain degree. Likely turning cloudier again across many areas with a chance of showers or longer spells, most probable in parts of the north and east. Southwestern areas have the greatest chance of maintaining largely dry conditions."

It continues: "Temperatures around average but with a greater chance of mild conditions in the northwest and below average temperatures in the southeast. During next weekend and into the following week there are signs that the influence of high pressure will decline to the west."

This shift suggests that northern and eastern areas are more likely to experience unsettled weather, with an increased chance of northerly winds and colder conditions.