Blast Of Wintry Weather Hits Parts Of Britain

Parts of Britain are getting an unexpected dose of winter weather as gale force winds send temperatures plunging.

The Met Office has issued severe weather warnings for northern England and Scotland, with Ireland also likely to be affected by gusts which "would not be unusual in the autumn and winter".

Winds of up to 50mph were recorded in parts of the North West on Sunday, with yellow "be aware" warnings for wind also in place for Monday.

Monday's temperatures were forecast to be around about 20C (68F) - three or four degrees lower than normal for August.

They are expected to drop again tomorrow - but winds blowing from the Arctic will make it feel even cooler.

Sky News weather presenter Jo Wheeler said: "Low pressure over Scandinavia is drawing cold Arctic air across Britain and Ireland with a breezy northwesterly flow.

"The best of the sunshine is likely to be in the west and northwest, with temperatures reaching 20C (68F) but feeling cooler in the blustery wind.

"Tuesday will be a little cooler with maximum temperatures around 18C, but the winds will continue to ease."

Met office spokesman Calum Maccoll said there could even be frost in parts of Scotland as temperatures approach zero later in the week.