Met Office issues verdict on whether UK will see snow in November

The Met Office has issued its verdict on the possibility of a white November this year. According to forecasters, some areas in the north and east of the UK may experience snow showers at the start of next month, but any snowfall is likely to be limited to high ground in the north, which is typical for this time of year.

The latest forecast for early November indicates a brief period of colder temperatures, followed by more unsettled weather in the second half of the month. The Met Office's long-range forecast from November 3 to 12 predicts that high pressure will dominate, resulting in mostly dry and settled conditions, particularly in the south.

However, the far north and northwest of Scotland may experience more unsettled conditions and periods of rain. The forecast notes: "Winds will likely be light in the south, but there could be some spells of strong winds across the north. Temperatures will probably be close to normal overall, although some cold nights are possible at times."

Looking ahead to the latter half of November, Met Office forecasters have predicted "a change toward more unsettled conditions" with an increased likelihood of wet and windy weather across parts of the UK, particularly in the south.

However, it remains uncertain how long these unsettled conditions will persist. The long-range weather forecast from Wednesday, November 13, to Wednesday, November 27, suggests that temperatures will likely hover around average, although colder spells are possible, reports the Mirror.

In addition, the Met Office has provided a weather update for Halloween, indicating that persistent rain is expected in some areas on Thursday night, potentially impacting festive traditions. Any breaks in the cloud cover will be sporadic, according to the weather service.

Clouds will be thick and low-lying in certain areas, as explained by Met Office meteorologist Aidan McGivern in a YouTube video detailing the week's weather. Those fortunate enough to avoid the heavy cloud cover, strong winds and rain can expect mild temperatures, similar to those experienced at the start of the week.

On Tuesday, the mercury hit 17.9C in Bridlington, East Yorkshire, which is significantly warmer than the average for this time of year. Mr McGivern further noted: "Here's how it's looking across the UK - a lot of cloud basically, an awful lot of cloud, and some thick, low-lying cloud across western parts of Scotland, giving some drizzle. We've got that strong wind as well across Scotland."

The forecaster elaborated: "It'll breezy for for Northern Ireland and Northern England, but not quite as strong as further north. We've got more persistent damp weather for the Shetland Islands and the Outer Hebrides in the far north of Scotland. Elsewhere across the UK, it's dry. There will be some breaks in the cloud but they will be somewhat random again, especially in the south... It's difficult to say at this stage because these breaks are going to be so tenuous and random."

Temperatures are expected to range between 9C and 12C around 5pm on Thursday, which is peak time for trick or treat activities. However, rain moving in from the northwest could potentially disrupt these activities.

Gusts of up to 50mph are predicted to hit parts of Northumberland throughout the night, and it will be breezy as far south as Derbyshire, according to meteorologists at Ventusky. Ladbrokes suggests that next month could be the hottest November ever recorded.

The bookies have already given a 2/1 shot for Thursday to be the warmest Halloween ever. Sunny spells are expected to continue, leading Ladbrokes to cut odds on a record-breaking hot November.

Alex Apati of Ladbrokes commented: "All the signs are pointing towards a weirdly warm few weeks ahead... so much so that we're not yet ruling out a record-breaking hot November."

The UK's 5-day weather forecast follows:

After the morning mist and fog clear, another cloudy day is expected in the south. Some bright or sunny spells may develop as the cloud lifts in places.

The north will be breezier with a few light showers, but it will remain mild throughout. Tonight, expect rather cloudy conditions with some outbreaks of drizzle here and there.

There's an increasing chance of some breaks developing in the cloud across the south with a risk of fog developing. Thursday will stay mostly dry, mild and though fairly cloudy with occasional brighter or clearer breaks, the latter allowing some fog to form overnight.

Wetter and windier conditions are expected in the far north at times. Looking ahead to Friday through Sunday, the weather will remain settled, however, it will continue to be cloudy, particularly across the south with patchy drizzle in places.

Bright or sunny spells are expected to develop more widely on Sunday.