Fog and rain are expected across parts of the UK this week before colder conditions spread south, bringing more widespread frost by Thursday and Friday.
A yellow fog warning is in place overnight for parts of central England and Wales, with dense patches expected before increasing cloud and wind reduce the risk of further widespread fog.
Monday will be largely dry with sunny spells for many, although mist and fog could linger throughout the day in some places. The southwest will turn windier later as cloud and rain begin to arrive.
Overnight, fog is expected across parts of central and northern England and Wales. Occasional rain will spread across the south and southwest, reaching southeast England and southern Wales. Frost will develop in northern areas, particularly rural Scotland.
Met Office Chief Meteorologist Jason Kelly said: “Persistent high pressure has brought light winds and clear skies, allowing fog to form, while weak November sunshine has meant it is fairly slow to clear.
“We’re expecting one more night of dense fog, with a warning in place for some areas. Increasing cloud and wind should then limit further widespread fog from developing.”
On Tuesday, cloud and rain will spread north across much of England and Wales, with heavier bursts possible in the southwest later in the day.
Elsewhere, many areas will stay dry with sunny spells, although fog and low cloud may take time to clear. Temperatures will generally be near or slightly below average.
Further rain is expected across southern areas on Tuesday night, becoming heavy at times in the southwest. Clearer skies further north will allow frost and some patches of fog to develop.
Colder conditions will begin moving into northern parts of the UK on Wednesday. Rain will continue across parts of southern England and Wales, while showers move south across Scotland, turning wintry at times in the far north and northeast. Strong winds are also expected in the far northeast.
Mr Kelly said: “Snow showers could briefly fall on lower ground in northern Scotland and the Northern Isles, mainly Shetland, overnight on Wednesday and into Thursday. However, snow may only settle on higher ground and this is relatively normal for the time of year.”
The colder air will spread further south on Thursday and Friday. Most places will become dry with clear or sunny spells, although showers remain possible in northern and eastern areas. Some could be wintry over higher ground in Scotland.
Temperatures are expected to fall widely below average by Thursday, and particularly on Friday, with frost becoming more widespread. Stronger winds will make the far northeast feel especially cold.
The weekend forecast remains uncertain. High pressure is expected to move towards continental Europe, allowing Atlantic weather systems to have a greater influence.
Cold conditions are likely to become less widespread, with temperatures recovering towards average and some rain possible later in the weekend.
