UK weather: Britain set for coldest night of autumn so far as -9C temperatures forecast

Britain is set to face the coldest night of autumn so far, with the Met Office warning that temperatures could reach as low as -9C in parts of the country.

A 400-mile wide swell from the Arctic saw sub-zero conditions set in over the weekend, bringing with it cold winds, fog and frost across the UK.

On Sunday night, the mercury fell to -8.1C in Tulloch Bridge and Dalwhinnie in Scotland, while temperatures of -5.1C were recorded in Katesbridge, Northern Ireland.

This cold snap is set to persist, according to the Met Office. Parts of rural Scotland are expected to drop to -9C on Monday night, with areas in England and Wales reaching -7C.

Met Office meteorologist Alex Burkill said: “The UK is sandwiched between two low-pressure systems which is allowing a northerly airflow. The jet stream is also south of the UK which is helping air to come in from this direction.”

Throughout the week, more cloud will push through in the south-west from the Atlantic and increase the chance of rain.

There is also a likelihood of showers along the North Sea coast and in the far east of Scotland.

This has raised concerns of further flooding, with parts of the UK still tackling high river levels and floodwater following heavy rainfall earlier this month.

There were 53 flood warnings from the Environment Agency (EA) in effect on Sunday evening, meaning flooding was expected and immediate action required. A further 89 flood alerts where possible flooding may occur had also been issued.

Met Office meteorologist Craig Snell said: “From Tuesday another low-pressure system comes in from the south-west and this is going to bring more rain which could be problematic given the flooding issues across parts of the country.

“We are looking at more of what we have already seen with the main risk being from rainfall, although it will be windy.”

Temperatures are expected to rise by the end of the week.