New Met Office weather map shows 50% chance of snow in London next week

Despite a fairly mild October, November has taken a different turn, with temperatures gradually dropping since the beginning of the month. And according to the Met Office, it could well get worse.

An early winter cold spell is set to arrive at the end of the week, bringing a risk of snow. Although it'll start in the north of the UK, it's then likely to reach all parts of the country.

Rebekah Hicks, deputy chief meteorologist at the Met Office, said: "A notable early winter cold spell will arrive across the north from Sunday and will likely reach all parts of the UK by midweek. Temperatures will drop as a northerly airflow develops, bringing in colder Arctic air.

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"This introduces the possibility of snow, initially over high ground in the north from Sunday, with gusty winds also a potential hazard." At this stage, there's uncertainty in what might happen next week."

But the most plausible scenario is that the south of the UK will experience heavy rain, with snow showers and sleet expected in some areas, including London.

Rebekah added: "There is a lot of uncertainty in what might happen after Sunday, but there are a number of scenarios which could bring some more widespread rain, along with some hill snow and stronger winds. It is possible that there may be some more widespread snowfall across lower ground, but the chance of this for any given region is low at this stage.

"What we do know is that the whole of the UK is likely to experience a spell of several days of cold, potentially disruptive weather next week. Warnings for wintry hazards, including snow and ice, are possible, so it’s important to stay up to date with the latest forecast."

To stay warm during the cold spell, thermal tops are an excellent base layer, like this one from Mountain Warehouse, which is currently on offer. Long padded coats are also very useful, like this popular model from Marks Spencer.

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