UK snow: Met Office's verdict on whether or not we'll see a white November

Some parts of the country might experience snow at the beginning of November, but this will mainly be limited to high ground in the far north and northwest of Scotland

The Met Office has given its verdict on whether or not we will see a white November this year.

The national weather and climate service said some parts of the UK, including northern and eastern areas, could experience some snow showers at the beginning of next month. However, forecasters said any snow will likely be confined to high ground in the north, as it usually happens at this time of year.

According to the latest forecast for the first part of November, temperatures could turn much colder for a brief period, with more unsettled weather developing in the second half of the month. The long-range forecast from Sunday, November 3, to Tuesday, November 12, says high pressure is likely to dominate.

This means the weather will be mainly dry and settled, especially in southern areas, the Met Office said. However, in the north, particularly the far north and northwest of Scotland, are more likely to experience unsettled conditions and periods of rain.

The forecast adds: "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 at the second half of November, Met Office forecasters said there will be "a change toward more unsettled conditions" with "an increased risk of periods of wet and windy weather for parts of the UK, perhaps more so in the south." However, meteorologists said it's unclear how long these unsettled conditions will last for.

The long-range weather forecast from Wednesday, November 13, to Wednesday, November 27, adds: "Temperatures will probably be close to average overall, although some colder interludes are possible." Meanwhile, the Met Office has also shared the weather forecast for Halloween, explaining that some areas will experience persistent rain on Thursday night, when youngsters will intend to enjoy festive traditions.

Any breaks to the cloud will be random, the weather service said. Clouds will be thick and low-lying in places, Met Office meteorologist Aidan McGivern said in a YouTube video detailing the week's weather. Those lucky enough to avoid the thick cloud, heavy winds and rain should see temperatures remain mild, just like they were at the start of the week. The mercury reached 17.9C in Bridlington, East Yorkshire on Tuesday, significantly warmer than average for the time of year.

Mr McGivern added: "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 continued: "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 braks are going to be so tenuous and random."

Temperatures will range between 9C and 12C at around 5pm on Thursday, peak time for trick or treat activity. The rain, though, will move in from the northwest and could threaten to put pay to the activities. Gusts of up to 50mph are believed to batter parts of Northumberland throughout the night, and it will be breezy as far south as Derbyshire, meteorologists at Ventusky said.

According to Ladbrokes, next month could go down as the hottest November ever. The bookies already make it just a 2/1 shot for Thursday to play host to the hottest Halloween ever.

But sunny spells look set to continue, and that's led to Ladbrokes slashing odds on a record breaking hot November. Alex Apati of Ladbrokes said: "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."

UK 5 day weather forecast

Today:

Another cloudy day after mist and fog clear through the morning in the south. Cloud lifting in places with some bright or sunny spells developing. Breezier in the north with a few light showers, but remaining mild throughout.

Tonight:

Rather cloudy, with some outbreaks of drizzle here and there. An increasing chance of some breaks developing in the cloud across the south with a risk of fog developing.

Thursday:

Staying mostly dry, mild and though fairly cloudy with occasional brighter or clearer breaks, the latter allowing some fog to form overnight. Wetter and windier in far north at times.

Outlook for Friday to Sunday:

Remaining settled Friday and into the weekend, however it will remain cloudy, particularly across the south with patchy drizzle in places. Bright or sunny spells developing more widely on Sunday.