The UK is braced for the first snowfall of late 2024, as an 'Arctic blast' is set to send temperatures tumbling below zero in some regions. This year's autumn has kicked off with mild and damp conditions, maintaining temperatures around 20C, while persistent showers have left a lingering humidity. Now, the Met Office has signalled a stark shift from the milder weather that has characterised recent months, with a sharp drop in temperatures on the horizon. With the first snow of the latter half of 2024 expected to dust the country, the agency has cautioned that the mercury could fall to freezing levels. It comes as heavy rain and hail batters parts of the country, including Lancashire, today (September 11).

A Met Office spokesperson said the encroaching cold will set the stage for snow to fall in the UK, specifically over Scotland. They said: "A cold front sweeping south will introduce Arctic air to the UK, resulting in below average temperatures nationwide this week.

"It's possible there could be some snow on the very tops of the highest peaks in Scotland. We're talking above around 800 meters."

The spokesperson added that temperatures in the home nation will easily dip to zero and below in the home nation later this week, first reaching 0C on Wednesday, the Mirror reports. At the same time, the forecasters predict, the lowest temperatures in Wales will be 3C.

By Thursday, Scotland will have only gotten chillier, reaching -2C in the coldest areas while Wales, following a similar track, sees its temperatures plummet to 0C. Scotland is expected to be the only home nation that sees a trace of snow, however.

While the Met Office expects temperatures to rebound in the near future, the long-range forecast expects rain, wind and stormy conditions to stretch into the next week.

The forecast for September 14 to 21 states: "It will likely be quite cloudy with outbreaks of rain and potentially strong winds across northwestern areas on Saturday, while somewhat drier and brighter in more southern and eastern parts. By Sunday this wetter zone of weather is likely to sink further south into more central parts, with showers following into the northwest.

"Confidence is low for early next week, but the chance of some rain or showers in places, more especially in the west and northwest, before a trend towards higher pressure building in the vicinity of the UK from midweek onwards, leading to a more blocked pattern thereafter. After a chilly start to the weekend, temperatures will return to near-normal for mid-September, possibly above-average in places from later next week."

Regional Breakdown

Wednesday

Today will be changeable with a mixture of sunny spells and showers, these heavy at times with hail possible. Feeling chilly for September, especially in the strong and blustery northwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 13C.

Tonight

Further showers this evening, these easing in many inland areas overnight but continuing across Merseyside and Cheshire. Skies clearing widely and turning chilly, especially inland. Staying breezy in coastal areas. Minimum temperature 3C.

Thursday

A changeable, cool and breezy day with a mixture of sunny spells and showers, these perhaps less numerous than today. Not quite as windy or as chilly as today. Maximum temperature 14C.

Outlook for Friday to Sunday

A cold and locally frosty start on Friday, then dry with sunny spells. Windier on Saturday with some rain later or overnight. Turning drier through Sunday. Temperatures returning to average.

Winter is Coming...

Temperatures will plummet to 0C and below in some parts of the country, according to the Met Office. The first snow of the latter half of 2024 is expected to dust the country as an 'Arctic blast' sweeps over the UK.