UK Braces for Arctic Blast as Temperatures Plunge Below Zero

In the aftermath of Storm Claudia, the UK is bracing for a dramatic shift in weather as a freezing Arctic blast sweeps across the country. According to the Met Office, temperatures are expected to plunge below zero in parts of the UK this week, with the potential for snow and ice.

The cold snap is being driven by a high-pressure system to the north-west, which is drawing in a cold northerly flow from the Arctic. This will bring much colder conditions than the UK has experienced in recent weeks, with the Met Office warning of a "notable change" in the weather.

Forecasters predict that Monday morning will see temperatures as low as -1°C in Glasgow, with the rest of the country seeing temperatures between 3°C and 4°C. However, the cold weather is expected to persist, with a "widespread frost" and icy patches forecast for Tuesday morning. By Thursday, temperatures could dip into the minus figures in Manchester and parts of Scotland.

The cold weather is a stark contrast to the recent spell of above-average temperatures, which the Met Office says was the warmest start to November on record. However, the warmer weather also brought persistent rainfall, leading to flooding in parts of the country.

As the wintry conditions continue to bite, forecasters warn that the cold weather is "here to stay," with the potential for weather warnings to be issued in the coming days. The first snowfall since last winter has already been reported in the Highlands, and more is expected as the low-pressure system moves across the top of the country.