Those hoping for a warm and sunny May may have to wait a little longer as an Arctic air movement is expected to bring colder-than-average temperatures and ground frost to the UK.
Cold air moving in from the north will bring a brisk northerly breeze over the next few days, the Met Office said, warning overnight temperatures may drop to around freezing or even below, causing unseasonably late frosts in some areas.
Daytime temperatures will see highs of 16 to 17C on Tuesday before dropping to 13 to 14C more widely across the country, with some easterly locations struggling to even get into double figures.
The unseasonal turn comes after May started with a scorching 25.4C recorded in Kew Gardens and Heathrow. Even on Saturday, the UK saw temperatures warmer than Madrid, with a steady 21C recorded across the capital and parts of the south of England.
Now, the forecaster has predicted chilly temperatures, ground frost, and even the potential for some wintry showers along the highest tops.
Grahame Madge, a Met Office spokesperson, said: “The current weather pattern is allowing for a movement of colder air from further north to sweep down across the UK over the next few days. This is not unusual in spring and it should not present any particular challenges. The most noticeable feature for many is that temperatures will appear below average, possibly feeling even colder in the brisk northerly breeze.
“Overnight, some locations may experience relatively late in the season overnight frosts, while there is a chance that the Scottish mountains could experience wintry showers. But generally these conditions won’t be impactful, and there is no current need to issue weather warnings.”
No weather warnings are expected to accompany this low-pressure area, but some rain is expected as the cold fronts move south across the UK. Wednesday could see bright spells scattered with localised heavy showers in some parts of the country, and Thursday will similarly see rain in the East.
As a high-pressure system comes in on Friday, the weather looks a little brighter, as the forecaster predicts a calmer day.
It comes after the Met Office recorded the coldest May night in five years last week in Altnaharra, where temperatures plummeted as low as -6.1C. Sub-zero conditions were also recorded in Shap, Cumbria, and Castlederg, County Tyrone, Northern Ireland.
Met Office five-day forecast
Monday
Cloud and patchy rain across central areas continues southwards, clearing the UK into the evening. Sunny spells elsewhere, but a few showers over northern Scotland and eastern coasts of England, where it will be breezy. Below-average temperatures for most.
Monday night
Cloud and rain moves southeast across Scotland and Northern Ireland overnight. Elsewhere, dry with clear spells and lighter winds, allowing a rural frost to form in places.
Tuesday
Rain in the north gradually clears south through the day. Sunny spells followed by scattered showers in the north and northwest. Feeling chilly, especially in the brisk northerly breeze.
Outlook for Wednesday to Friday
Blustery with sunny spells and heavy showers on both Wednesday and Thursday. More settled on Friday with drier and brighter conditions. Remaining chilly throughout with a risk of overnight frost.
