We've all enjoyed a mild December but experts are predicting that things are about to take a nasty turn on the weather front.
Gales, rain and snowstorms are set to batter the UK during an ‘exceptionally cold January’.
Temperatures are set to plummet tonight (Friday) with an Arctic deluge possible over high ground in the north, forecasters say.
Low pressure pushing in from the west will bring the worst of the weather including thundery outbreaks in Scotland and northern England, reports the Express.
James Madden, forecaster for Exacta Weather, said: “The next wintry blast will likely be driven by an easterly component with all the right ingredients for a troublesome cold spell with widespread heavy snow for many.
“This will pave the way for an exceptionally cold January, there are signs that snow will be an ample feature of the month for many parts of the country.
“Following the festive period, we are expecting strong gales at times especially around coastal areas and with colder conditions rainfall will turn to snow.
“With colder conditions forecast through the month there will be a risk of significant snowfall which could bring notable accumulations at times.”
In Bristol, the mercury is expected to hover around 9C today when residents will be able to enjoy sunny spells throughout the afternoon.
So it will be much milder in comparison, but the north westerly wind chill will make temperatures feel two or three degrees cooler, so you will still need to wrap up warm.
Saturday and Sunday look set to be be cloudy but dry, with highs of 9C.
Met Office's UK weather forecast
Friday:
Early rain over England and Wales clearing, brighter conditions following. Northern Scotland windy and blustery with wintry showers. Elsewhere, sunny spells. Colder than the last couple of days.
Outlook for Saturday to Monday:
Windy across northern UK this weekend with rain at times, staying relatively drier further south with some bright spells. Turning more widely unsettled and windy from Monday with gales possible.
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