London is bracing for a significant temperature drop after experiencing an exceptionally mild start to November, with forecasters confirming a cold spell is on its way.
From Record Warmth to Seasonal Chill
The capital has been enjoying unseasonably warm conditions, with Bonfire Night on November 5 recorded as the mildest on record. Overnight temperatures in Bushy Park, Teddington, didn't fall below 14.4°C, creating unusually balmy conditions for early November.
According to the Met Office, this warm spell was driven by warm air arriving from continental Europe combined with persistent cloud cover. While the North Sea provided some cooling effect to eastern UK regions, the entire country has experienced milder than average temperatures throughout the month.
The Gradual Temperature Shift
The warm weather is expected to persist through most of this week, with temperatures maintaining between 15°C and 16°C before potentially reaching a high of 17°C on Thursday, November 13.
However, the change begins this weekend. Forecasters predict temperatures will fall to more typical mid-November levels, with highs of only 11°C to 12°C expected on Saturday and Sunday. Weather conditions are likely to remain unsettled throughout the week as this transition occurs.
Looking Further Ahead: The Cold Snap Arrives
The Met Office's longer-range forecast indicates that once the current unsettled period passes, London should prepare for a gradual but steady decline in temperatures.
The forecast states: "With time, the more unsettled conditions should gradually clear to the south, allowing a colder and more showery northerly flow of sorts to become established."
This new weather pattern could bring wintry showers to higher ground and potentially even to low levels in northern areas, along with an increased risk of overnight frost.
While the exact timing remains uncertain, and southern areas might cling to milder, wetter conditions into the beginning of the following week, the overall trend points toward temperatures falling below average for many areas beyond mid-November.
