Colder than the Arctic
...but for some, autumn goes out in a glow
‘An increased risk of snow’
IF you’re thinking that it feels as though we’ve suddenly shifted to the Arctic, you are not far wrong.
In fact, it’s warmer there. For while a cold snap was expected to leave Britain shivering at around –8C (18F) in places last night, the port of Murmansk in north-west Russia was a comparatively balmy 1C (34F).
The freezing weather began yesterday as parts of England saw the first widespread snowfall of winter – while areas further south were bathed in perhaps the last golden sunshine of autumn.
Parts of the Lake District and the Pennine Way in Cumbria received a significant covering of snow.
Weathermen say conditions could get colder by the end of the week – with worse to come. A prolonged freezing spell is expected towards the end of the month, with the possibility of temperatures as low as –15C (5F) this winter.
Last night was much colder than the average for this time of year, which normally sees a minimum of 3C to 4C (37F to 39F) in the North and 5C to 6C (41F to 43F) in the South.
The previous coldest temperature in England this autumn was –5.9C (21.4F) at Redesdale Camp in Northumberland on November 6. But Met Office forecaster Sophie Yeomans said temperatures last night would be as low as –8C in Scotland and –5C in southern England.
‘Snow could fall on the north Pennines, as well as on Wales’ and Scotland’s hills and mountains,’ she said. ‘ Low levels could see flurries in northern Scotland.
‘Ice is possible and there will be a widespread frost. Midweek turns milder but it becomes colder on Friday and at the weekend, with showery conditions with snow possible over northern hills.
‘ The following week has an increasing chance of generally cold weather with a risk of snow in places, especially the North. From November 26 to December 10, temperatures look like being below normal generally, with an increased risk of snow.’ The cur- rent cold conditions, exacerbated by clear skies, are the result of the UK being sandwiched between a high pressure system to the west and a low one to the east, drawing cold air down from the north.
Alan Reppert, senior meteorologist at commercial forecaster Accuweather, said: ‘There is better than usual potential for –15C temperatures on some of the coldest days this winter.’
The Weather Outlook predicted an early winter. Forecaster Brian Glaze said: ‘Computer models consistently point towards cold weather for much of the second half of November, with colder air displaced from the Arctic.’
The predictions come days after Bewick’s swans arrived late from Russia – suggesting, according to folklore at least, we could be in for a short and mild winter.