Temperatures to be ‘below average’ next week as hail, thunder and snow possible

The warm spell enjoyed by much of the UK will come to an end next week

Conditions will be changing over the coming week as the warmer weather comes to an abrupt end. Colder and wetter conditions will bring the possibility of hail and thunder in parts of the UK. Temperatures are expected to drop from Sunday and plunge to “widely below average” for the time of year.

Met Office meteorologist Honor Criswick told the Press Association the weather is “turning colder from Wednesday” and there will be “some showers” with some hail and thunder. Ice could also develop in places on Tuesday and Wednesday night.

She added: “Temperatures range from six to 10C but it will feel closer to low single figures for many areas in the wind. Temperatures will be widely below average for the time of year, which is around 11C for the UK.

“It will be a big change from last week when we had our warmest day of the year so far with 22.9C recorded last Wednesday in Gogerddan, Dyfed.”

In the BBC Weather forecast for Liverpool tomorrow, it said: “Tomorrow morning will be dry and bright, but it will soon turn overcast into the afternoon. Staying mainly dry, though the odd light spot of drizzle can’t be completely ruled out.”

In the outlook for Liverpool for Tuesday to Thursday, it added: “Tuesday will be cloudy and windy with a band of heavy rain moving slowly south-eastwards through the day. Once the rain clears, it will continue to be mainly cloudy with further showers.

“Wednesday will be windy with sunny spells, variable cloud and scattered showers, with sleet and snow over the hills. Colder. Thursday will see sunny spells and variable amounts of cloud.”

It’s not unusual to see colder spells and even some wintry showers in March. The Met Office said: “Early next week, a more mobile Atlantic pattern develops, with rain spreading into northern and western areas on Monday and Tuesday, occasionally turning to snow over the Scottish mountains. Stronger winds are expected in the north, with coastal gales at times.

“By Wednesday, the UK will be in a cooler and more unstable north‑to‑north-westerly flow, bringing frequent showers, some heavy and wintry over higher ground. Snow could possibly reach lower levels in the north later in the day. Temperatures will be near or a little below average.”

Met Office Chief Forecaster, Steve Willington, said: “While the early part of the period brings warm sunshine for many, it’s not unusual to see colder spells and even some wintry showers in March.

“As we head into next week, a shift to a cooler north‑westerly flow will bring a drop in temperature and more unsettled weather, including some hill snow in the north and brisk winds at times. This pattern is entirely typical for the time of year.”

In the UK outlook for Tuesday to Thursday next week, the national forecaster said: “Rain moves south on Tuesday, introducing colder air. Windy through mid-week with sunshine and showers, falling as sleet and snow across parts of the north.”