... but ‘Snowvember’ is on way

BRITAIN should brace itself for a chillier autumn than usual, with snow expected as early as November.

The “Snowvember” warning comes after an unusually warm October day yesterday, when temperatures hit a balmy 66F (19C).

Forecasters said the mercury could even climb to 70F in the coming days – but warned there would be a sudden change in November.

Around the middle of next month, more usual wintry conditions will return, with much colder days, chilly nights and frost in some places. And snow showers are expected in the northern and western parts of the UK.

Referring to the Met Office’s long-range forecast for mid-November, a spokesman said: “Unsettled conditions are expected at first, with further heavy rain possible.

“There’s an increasing chance of settled weather from mid-month, bringing a potential for colder, drier weather, especially for the North andWest.

“This would likely bring a risk of chilly nights with mist, frost and fog in places, with some snow possible in any showers in northern and western areas, especially over high ground.”

But before grabbing an extra sweater, forecasters said this week we will continue to enjoy warm days as well as very mild nights, with minimum temperatures higher than the average daily high of 57F (14C) usually experienced in October.

A “sub-tropical plume” of air sitting over the UK brought the balmy conditions to much of the country yesterday.

The Met Office said the weather would continue to be “unseasonably warm” in the next few days after what had been a mild October so far.

Temperatures will peak for many at 70F (21C) today, though it will be more unsettled at the weekend, with blustery winds and showers blowing in.

A Met Office spokesman added: “It’s been a mild October so far and this week will remain unseasonably warm.

“A trough in the jet stream keeps low pressure anchored to the west of the UK and maintains southerly winds, allowing temperatures to reach the low 20s in places.”