After warmest day of the year so far, Met Office warns of 'cold plunge' and chance of snow

Saturday, 21 March 2026 02:51

Britain will return to colder weather with a chance of snow for some - only days after much of the UK saw a week of sunshine.

Warmer weather brought the hottest day of the year so far on Wednesday, with temperatures peaking at 20C (68F) in some parts of the country.

But temperatures across the UK are forecast to plummet from Sunday down to single digits by next Wednesday.

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Temperatures are expected to hover at or a little below average, with frequent showers and blustery winds, as the week progresses, the Met Office said.

Met Office meteorologist Alex Deakin said Wednesday will signal a "cold plunge", with possible snow in Scotland.

The drop in temperatures comes just days after Scotland recorded its warmest day of the year on Friday, with a peak of 20.2C recorded in Fyvie Castle, Aberdeenshire.

Mr Deakin said: "If we look at the temperature profile for the next few days, then we really notice that difference by the time we get to Wednesday.

"Temperatures by Wednesday (will be) single digits for many, and that's the max, so it's going to get cold at night.

"Probably the peak of that cold will be on Wednesday night, that's when the cold plunge really comes in."

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Parts of northern Scotland could see snow on Wednesday night and into Thursday morning, which would be a "shock to the system" after the conditions enjoyed by many this week, Mr Deakin said.

"We could easily see some snow over the hills in Scotland," he said.

"Nothing unusual about that at this time of year, but it will feel different because it has been so warm and sunny for many of us over recent times, so you'll get that shock to the system."

The Met Office said the rain and wind will ease later in the week but temperatures are likely to remain cool, with the potential for overnight frost in some areas.

Sky News