The bitter cold gripping the UK is finally subsiding after temperatures plunged to minus 18.9°C in Altnaharra, Scotland, on Saturday morning the coldest January night in 15 years. Overnight on Saturday, Kinbrace in northern Scotland recorded minus 13.9°C, while Cavendish in Suffolk and Hawarden Airport in Wales reported minus 7.8°C and minus 2.2°C, respectively.
The Met Office has warned of lingering freezing fog in southeast England and Northern Ireland, which could create icy conditions through the morning. Meteorologist Greg Dewhurst noted that these temperatures are far below the seasonal average of 0.3°C for northern Scotland and 1.5°C for England.
The UK Health Security Agency has extended its cold weather health alert for all of England until Tuesday. Amber warnings, now extended to January 14, highlight an increased risk of health complications and deaths, particularly among the elderly and those with pre-existing conditions.
Sunday saw highs of 2°C to 3°C in southeast England, with western regions reaching 6°C to 9°C. Overnight, milder air will begin to move in, bringing lows between 9°C and 10°C in Northern Ireland and western Scotland, while most areas will range from -1°C to 3°Cwarmer than recent nights.
The week ahead will feature a north-south weather divide in Northern UK with patchy rain and temperatures between 9°C and 12°C. Southern UK in Drier conditions with highs of 5°C to 8°C.
By Tuesday, conditions are expected to improve further, with drier weather and temperatures averaging 11°C to 12°C in the north and 8°C to 9°C in the south.
Mr. Dewhurst summed up the forecast: “Back to average temperatures generally for the time of year.”