A brief period of milder weather will sweep across the United Kingdom on Sunday, bringing widespread rain and potential thunderstorms after a night of subzero temperatures. However, this warmth will be short-lived as a fresh Arctic chill brings new cold health alerts starting Sunday night.
Milder Sunday Brings Rain and Potential Flooding
Temperatures will rise to between 2 and 6C for most areas on Sunday morning, though central and eastern England may remain close to freezing. This follows a cold Saturday morning that saw Oxfordshire drop to minus 7.2C, marking the lowest autumn temperature so far.
As weather fronts arrive from the west, showery rain will spread across the country. Heavy rain is expected initially in Scotland, Northern Ireland, south-western England, and Wales, with possible thundery downpours in the south.
Brisk winds and heavy rain may cause disruption by knocking leaves off trees, which can block drains and result in localized flooding.
Return of the Arctic Chill and Cold Health Alerts
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued yellow cold health alerts for the north-east and north-west of England, as well as Yorkshire and the Humber. These alerts take effect at 21:00 GMT on Sunday and will remain in place until 09:00 GMT on Thursday.
On Monday, low pressure will move eastward, easing the rain and wind while allowing colder air from the north to bring back frost and fog. Afternoon temperatures will hover between 5 and 8C, accompanied by a strong wind chill near eastern coasts, though the far south-west of England could reach 12C.
Monday night will bring wet and windy conditions, with gales expected along western coasts and possible sleet and snow over high ground such as Snowdonia, the Pennines, and the Scottish Highlands. The rest of the week will continue this fluctuating pattern of alternating mild and cold weather.
