The UK is experiencing a dramatic contrast in weather conditions, as some parts of the country are set to enjoy a 22°C leap in temperature after a 10-day big freeze, while others are bracing for strong winds and heavy rain.
From Freezing to Thawing
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According to the latest data from WX Charts, temperatures are predicted to plummet to a bone-chilling -11°C on Wednesday morning, while the UK's 10-day big freeze is set to last into the start of this week. The cold snap has brought snow, ice and frost to many areas, causing travel disruption and power outages.
However, within days, the mercury is set to rise by an astonishing 22°C, increasing to a very mild 11°C in parts of England by next Tuesday, January 23.
Maps show that it will be around 11°C in the likes of Cornwall, Devon and the south coast. Meanwhile, it will reach 10°C in parts of Wales, 8°C in the Midlands and 6°C in the north of England. The average temperature for this time of year is roughly 12°C, so this is a significant change for an April day.
The warm spell is expected to be brief, though, as the Met Office warns that it may not last for long. The sudden shift in temperature is caused by Atlantic frontal systems moving towards the UK from the west, bringing milder air from the south.
From Calm to Stormy
While some people may welcome the warmer weather, others may face more challenges as the Atlantic fronts also bring spells of rain and strong winds across all areas.
The Met Office predicts that rain is likely to be heavy at times across many western hills, and that there is a chance of some transient snow for higher ground in the north of Scotland.
The wind speed is also expected to increase, with maps from WX Charts revealing that there could be gusts of more than 60mph in some places on Saturday. The Met Office advises that this could impact driving conditions and cause damage to trees and buildings.
The long-range forecast for the period between January 20 and January 29 suggests that milder and wetter than normal conditions will persist, although the south could have some drier spells of weather at times, especially later in the month, when the chance of overnight frost and fog increases once again.
Storm Irene, a low pressure system that was named by the French meteorological services, has brought a mix of snow, rain and wind to parts of the UK this week, causing chaos and disruption for many people.
The storm, which originated from the Atlantic, has affected different regions of the country in different ways, depending on the interaction with the cold air from the north.
In the north of the UK, Storm Irene has triggered several amber weather warnings for snow and ice, as well as yellow warnings for wind and rain.
The Met Office has reported that some areas could see up to 15cm of snow, especially over higher ground, and that there is a risk of blizzards and drifting snow. The storm has also caused power cuts, road closures, school closures and travel delays in the affected areas.
In the south of the UK, Storm Irene has brought milder but wetter conditions, with temperatures reaching up to 11°C in some places.
However, the storm has also brought heavy rain and strong winds, which have caused flooding, fallen trees and damage to properties.
The Met Office has issued yellow warnings for rain and wind in southern England and Wales, and has advised people to be aware of the potential impacts of the storm.
