It may almost be midway through September but, for many people, it already seems like we’re experiencing an early winter.
We have strong, chilly northerly winds with Arctic air, adding to the feeling of cold, thanks to low pressure in the north-east and high pressure in the Atlantic.
Both the daytime and night-time temperatures are below average for this time of year. On Tuesday (September 10), showers transitioned to sleety snow on the peaks of the Cairngorms, and temperatures dropped as low as 2°C in Scotland's protected glens, with patches of frost.
Unfortunately, the low temperatures will persist today (September 12), and the strong winds will make it feel even colder.
We've not seen a frost like this in 20 years, and the chilly spell has been made even more noticeable by a string of exceptionally warm Septembers.
We experienced summery autumns in 2016, 2020, and 2021 and 2023, with temperatures that topped 30°C.
This month last year also brought us our warmest weather of 2023: a strong heatwave that lasted for a week at the beginning of September, with temperatures close to 34°C.
With a cold start to September, how long will this unseasonably cold weather last?
How long will Arctic blast last for?
According to the Met Office, today and tomorrow will bring "showers, some sunshine, and a cold wind”.
In terms of today, meteorologist Clare Nasir said: “Winds won’t be as blustery across in-land areas, with showers particularly along the coastline. They may develop in land, but there will be some drier interludes and a mix of cloud and sunshine yet again, with temperatures of 14°C or 15°C in the south.”
In London, there is a 70 per cent likelihood of rain, and there may be patchy frost at night.
Friday will be dry and sunny, however, with temperatures a littler warmer in London.
Meanwhile, it is expected to be settled and dry in London this weekend.
Ms Nasir added that the UK, in general, can expect similar weather. “A ridge of high pressure is moving in, so a cold start, with a localised frost, but with that we’ll see some sunshine. All change though as we head into the weekend from the north-west.”
This weekend, the cold air is expected to give way due to a change in wind direction. Milder air from the southwest and mid-Atlantic will be drawn in, and temperatures will rise.
The cold and crisp mornings are only set to last this week. Next week, we can expect temperatures returning to 20°C to 23°C.
Will there be snow?
There's been the first autumn sprinkling of snow on some of Scotland's highest mountains including Cairngorms, Glen Coe, and Lochaber.
Good morning. A caul one today & there was snow on the mountains yesterday, so my mind is turning to my seasonal cards. I like this photo, so it’s gone on my list to reproduce. Less windy today, currently sunny, so may get out with the Mopster.
— Debbie Ross (@DRnaturegirl) September 12, 2024
Happy Thursday!#Scotland #snow pic.twitter.com/Lg7vkMYgYc
According to BBC Weather, snowfall over Scottish mountains in September, when the colder winter months are approaching, is not unusual.
Unfortunately, (or fortunately, depending on your viewpoint!), there is no snow expected for London.
