UK braced for 'Arctic blast' and even snow as Stoke-on-Trent left shivering

Meteorologists say the UK will experience some cold conditions as 'Arctic air' sweeps over the country. And some of the highest peaks of Scotland could even be hit with snow this week as any thoughts of an Indian summer have been blasted away.

In North Staffordshire, today has seen temperatures struggle to get into double figures. Some families have even been hit with hail in what has been a wet day.

Meanwhile, the Met Office has put the cold conditions down to Arctic air moving over the UK. Speaking to the Mirror, the Met Office has said the encroaching cold will set the stage for snow to fall in Britain, 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.

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"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 will easily dip to zero and below later this week, first reaching 0C on Wednesday. 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.

Back in North Staffordshire and the BBC doesn't think temperatures will get past 9C today while the Met Office reckons 10C. The rain will finally disappear at around 9am tomorrow in a day where it'll get to 12C.

It'll be dry on Friday with a high of 13C. It'll get up to roughly 16C over the weekend before hitting 19C on Tuesday and Wednesday next week - in what represents more twists on the conditions.

Met Office's UK long range forecast

September 16 - September 25: "The chance of some cloud and patchy rain or showers at first, more especially in central and/or northwestern areas, but by the middle of next week onwards high pressure is likely to become increasingly influential over the UK. This will likely lead to largely fine conditions for many areas, with the greatest chance of cloud and rain being across the far west and more especially northwest, and perhaps a few showers occasionally in the far southeast.

"Temperatures during this period are likely to be on the warmer side of average overall, but with settled conditions warm days could be offset by some chilly nights. Towards the end of this period there is a signal that the more settled conditions may cease."

September 25 - October 9: "The transition to more unsettled / changeable conditions (as per typical Autumn climatology) is likely to continue into this period. There are weak signals that the track of Atlantic low pressure systems may sit further south than is typical in the early Autumn, and lead to an increased chance of some impacts from rain and wind across the UK. Temperatures are signalled to remain either close to or slightly above average."

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