Snow: Met Office's first mention of 'colder interludes' amid warmest November for years

Snow is naturally often associated with colder weather but the Met Office says temperatures have peaked at around 19C this November, signficantly warmer than average for the time of year

Colder weather is looming as temperatures are set to plunge by around 9C in a matter of days, forecasters say.

The Met Office has alluded to "colder interludes" for the first time in its November forecast as Atlantic systems are set to move eastwards across the country later this month and into December.

While UK temperatures on Thursday peaked at nearly 18.9C in Kinlochewe, Scottish Highlands, just 9C is forecast for the same time next week as a bitter Arctic blast looms. It is a significant change to this week's mild air, during which the mercury also hit a balmy 17.9C in Thomastown, County Fermanagh and 17.2C in Bude, Cornwall.

Writing on its long-range forecast section of its website, the Met Office says, despite the colder spells, some places will continue to see average temperatures for the time of year. It adds: "Signals vary in prevailing weather patterns through this period but likely more unsettled than during early November. There is a greater chance of more mobile weather patterns which would see Atlantic systems periodically move across the country. These bringing some wetter and windier interludes followed by drier periods. The wettest conditions likely across the northwest of the country with drier weather across the southeast. Some colder interludes possible but overall temperatures more likely to be around or above average."

While the "colder interludes" are forecast, the Met Office says it is difficult to state with confidence if the UK will see widespread snow in the coming weeks. Spokeswoman for the service, Andrea Bishop, said: “There is no indication of widespread snow at this time and snow is not something that can be forecast at such a long timeframe.

"Because of the UK’s location, where the air comes from is incredibly important when it comes to determining if snow is possible. Being surrounded by water also adds another factor into predicting snow chances in the UK."

As temperatures fall next week, wind speeds are set to increase, especially along the North Sea coastline. Forecasters at Ventusky say the gusts will be strongest next Friday - and could hit speeds of 40mph in County Durham and Northumberland.