Arctic blast to hit UK with rain, snow and ice as temperatures go subzero to make country colder than MOSCOW after Spring Equinox
AN Arctic blast of freezing weather is set to plunge much of the country into subzero temperatures that will be colder than MOSCOW.
Monday was the Spring Equinox but it appears no-one told the weather gods as the UK is set to be battered with snow, hail and storm-force winds.
The Met Office has issued a weather warning for the north of the UK for snow and ice overnight on Tuesday - with Scotland and the north looking at up to 5cm of snow.
A cold front swept across the country on Monday night, followed by freezing air from the Canadian Arctic.
Forecaster Grahame Madge said: "We've got a couple of cold fronts moving through during Monday afternoon bringing some rain.
"Behind the cold front, we've some quite cold air from the Canadian Arctic bringing much colder temperatures to parts of the UK.
Showers hammered down in Manchester on Monday morning as workers braved the trek to work
"We have issued a yellow warning for snow and ice over most of Scotland and Northern Ireland.
"We've had high winds around the north coast of Scotland. There's been very strong storm-force winds that will be clearing northeast-wards."
And temperatures will get colder throughout the week after remnants from Storm Stella blasted away the balmier weather we've been enjoying.
Met Office forecaster Craig Snell said: "This working week everyone's going to notice a distinct chill in the air.
"The weather can yo-yo at this time of year, we are in a transition between winter and summer.
"If anyone is out and about very early on Tuesday I wouldn't be surprised if they see the odd snowflake."
England and Wales were hit by heavy showers on Monday as a band of rain moved westwards across the country, with up to 30mm expected on high ground in Wales and gales hitting the north-west.
Temperatures fell as low as -5C on Monday night in the Midlands, Wales, the north-east and Wales, following warnings drivers could face dangerous icy conditions on the roads on Tuesday morning.
The dramatic change marked a 10C drop in overnight temperatures from Sunday to Monday and came as a shock to Britons who have been enjoying milder temperatures in recent weeks.
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Monday marked the Spring Equinox - when the sun passes the celestial equator and days become longer - which is often said to be the first official day of spring.
However weather experts measure spring from March 1 using meteorological seasons.
The Met Office said the mercury was set to plunge below zero in the midlands, north-east England, Scotland and Wales, compared to a low of 2 degrees forecast in Russian capital Moscow.
Craig said: "It will be a frosty start to the morning, people should take care on the roads as there will be a few slippery surfaces."
Snow, sleet and hail are also expected to pelt parts of Britain on Tuesday, with wintry showers forecast for Scotland, Wales and western England.
The forecaster said Tuesday and Wednesday would be the coldest days this week, with daytime temperatures dropping to as low as 7C across the UK.
There will be clearer skies as the week goes on, with daytime temperatures warming up to 12C on Friday, with highs of 14C forecast for Saturday.
But nighttime temperatures will continue to drop below zero for the rest of the week.
Craig said: "The remnants of Storm Stella helped get rid of the nice weather we had last week and got the jet stream into gear.
"Since then the jet stream has gone into more of an active stage."
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