UK: Cold snap to diminish just before May Day Bank Holiday weekend

By Eric Leister, AccuWeather meteorologist

April 25,2017, 2:41:14PM,EDT

 

 

A cold snap will continue to have a firm grip on the United Kingdom until the days just prior to the May Day Bank Holiday weekend.
Wintry showers have accompanied the cold snap, especially across the north.
A total of 11.5 cm (4.5 inches) of snow was recorded in Cromdale, Scotland, the Met Office reported.

Snow covered vehicles in Staffordshire Moorlands, United Kingdom, on 25 April 2017. (Photo/Twitter user @steven7000741)

Additional wintry showers will follow over the hills of the U.K. on Wednesday and Thursday.
"The snow can settle a fresh 5-10 cm (2-4 inches) in the higher peaks of the eastern Scottish Highlands on Wednesday night into Thursday morning," said AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Kristina Pydynowski.
It is not out of the question for wet snow or sleet to briefly fall in the lower elevations of Scotland on Wednesday, such as Inverness.
Snow and cold air are not uncommon in these areas in April. However, the unseasonably warm March and first half of April will make this a much more noticeable change.
Otherwise, showery spells will develop daily across the rest of the U.K. through Thursday.

In addition to keeping brollies handy, residents of the U.K. will not want to leave home without a jacket.
Temperatures will climb to only 9-11 C (48-52 F) across Wales, the Midlands and southern England on Wednesday.
Gusty winds out of the north at 10-20 mph (16-32 km/h) will make it feel even colder.
Related:
United Kingdom Weather Center
Interactive United Kingdom weather radar
Detailed London weather forecast
Normal high temperatures throughout the southern U.K. in late April are 13-14 C (55-57 F).
Highs of 6-9 C (40s F) will be more common in the lower elevations of the northern U.K. on Wednesday.
“There will also be a threat to vegetation as widespread frosts are expected through Wednesday night,” said AccuWeather Meteorologist Tyler Roys.

"Temperatures will rise slightly above Wednesday's highs on Thursday, but will remain below normal and a chilly breeze will persist," Pydynowski said.
The chill will further ease across the U.K. on Friday followed by temperatures climbing slightly above normal for the Bank Holiday weekend.
"The rebound in temperatures, unfortunately, may also be accompanied by more wet weather as a new depression arrives on Sunday," Pydynowski said.