Temperatures plunge amid first widespread autumn frost

Temperatures could drop as low as -7C in rural parts of the UK as the first widespread frost of autumn hits the country.

Temperatures plunge amid first widespread autumn frost

The chilly feel is set to take hold on Saturday morning as a harsh frost causes temperatures to drop.

Forecasters have said the cold spell could bring snow next week.

Met Office meteorologist Annie Shuttleworth said temperatures could drop to -5C or possibly -7C across northwestern England and in the South, and -4C in rural areas of Wales on Saturday morning.

The North West and parts of southern Scotland are where the temperatures will particularly drop – and the chill will remain for much of the day.

She said: “There will be a crisp but sunny start to the weekend for many areas and it will still be a little cloudy across the east coast.

“Showers will come and go across parts of Norfolk as well as northern Scotland.”

Many Britons could see a sunny Saturday with afternoon temperatures in the west that have warmed up to 8C to 9C, but the evening may bring more frost across eastern areas.

A rainy Sunday for many is forecast before becoming colder again through Monday evening and widespread overnight frosts.

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Met Office deputy chief meteorologist Dan Harris said: “Early next week, following a brief more unsettled interlude, we expect to see a return to widely cold but quiet conditions.

“Some rain, or showers, are likely to affect some parts of the east coast, and these could turn increasingly wintry over higher ground areas towards the middle of the week.”

He added: “It does look as though there will be a trend towards something more unsettled, as areas of cloud and rain attempt to move across the UK.

“At present, the most likely outcome beyond mid-week is that rain from the west slowly moves east, with snow possible over higher ground, and a continued risk of showers over eastern parts.

“However, there is a chance that a more active weather system arrives from the southwest, which would bring more widespread rain, stronger winds, and the potential for more significant snowfall should the air over the UK become sufficiently cold ahead of it.”