Brits wake to freezing fog as temperatures plummet to -4C overnight in UK

04 March 2024 , 06:32

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Brits are starting the week with freezing fog (Image: PA)

Brits are starting the week with a dose of freezing fog as icy temperatures are set to send the mercury falling.

Parts of the country will have temperatures of -4C in some areas as a result of clear skies overnight and a cruel wind coming from the south west. The conditions will likely continue most of today in several places as the week gets off to a foggy and freezing start. Last night’s skies however allowed millions of people up to northern England to catch a glimpse of the aurora borealis - the Northern Lights.

The Met Office said: “Another cold night for many, with a widespread frost and some freezing fog patches. Temperatures rising across the far southwest as the cloud and winds increase.

“A cold start with fog clearing readily. A largely dry and bright day for many though cloud increasing from the southwest with spells of rain and strengthening winds. Average temperatures.”

It added in its outlook for Tuesday to Thursday: “Generally settled this week with bright or sunny spells, some showers, particularly on Tuesday with strong winds in the northwest. Temperatures slightly above average and feeling pleasant in the sunshine.”

Gales, snow and rain to batter country today with 80mph wind gusts

The frost and fog will persist throughout Monday, especially in north Wales, the Midlands and North East of England - despite the UK entering official springtime on Friday. Each of these areas will struggle to see temperatures rise significantly until noon at the earliest, which means Monday will be colder than Iceland for many.

Temperatures dropped overnight (Met Office)

The Met Office's website says, even in the early hours, the mercury will barely fall lower than 0C in Reykjavik - and it'll quickly shoot up to 3C by midday. Terry Scholey, forecaster with Netweather, wrote on the service's blog: "This'll allow mist, patchy fog and a frost to form once more, with lowest temperatures between about zero and -4C.

“Later in the night, cloud will increase across the far South West of England where a south-easterly breeze may freshen a little."

More than 25mm of rain fell in Almondsbury, Gloucestershire, on Saturday. As of last night, 40 flood warnings were in place with another 132 flood alerts.

Heavy rain across the country sparked more than 150 flood alerts and warnings to be issued over the weekend, many of which were in the South West of England and Home Counties. Particular concern remains for Colne Brook at Iver in Buckinghamshire, Curry Moor and Hay Moor in Somerset and Middle Avon from Salisbury to Ringwood.

Antony Clements-Thrower