UK Enjoys Dry Sunny Weekend Before Arctic Chill Drops Temperatures Next Week

Dry and sunny weather will cover most of the UK this weekend before chilly Arctic air drives temperatures into single digits next week.

Outdoor plans stand a good chance with dry and sunny conditions at times across much of the country, though some rain remains possible.

Southern areas will see warmer weather for a while before temperatures fall through the weekend.

Next week brings even cooler conditions as northerly winds take hold.

Saturday holds some of the week's warmest weather, limited to southern and central England. Light southwesterly winds and decent sunshine will push highs to 19-21 Celsius (66-71F) in southern counties and the Midlands. The May average there runs 16-17C (61-63F).

Elsewhere, temperatures will hover near seasonal norms, though cloudier spots will feel cool.

South-east Scotland and northern England will see the most cloud, with a weather front delivering rain through the day.

Showers could hit northern Scotland, Wales and south-west England.

Gardeners and growers in northern UK areas should watch for frost Saturday night.

Temperatures drop in the south on Sunday as a cold front with patchy overnight drizzle moves south. Still, Sunday stays dry for many and brighter than Saturday in northern England and south-east Scotland.

Showery rain will stay confined to northern Scotland and perhaps the Channel Islands.

Blustery winds through the English Channel and over southern England and Wales will heighten the cool feel. Temperatures dip elsewhere too, but May sun should keep things pleasant.

Social media forecasts of next week's snow have raised eyebrows, but snow stays unlikely for most of the UK. Cool May conditions will dominate instead.

High pressure west of the UK will steer winds from the chillier north. Later in the week, air from the Arctic Circle in northern Scandinavia will arrive.

Daytime highs will run much colder than normal at 9-14C (48-57F) in many spots.

Low pressure systems crossing south will raise rain chances. Snow in Shetland and Scottish mountains remains possible, as it was last week.

Last week delivered the UK's coldest May weather in nearly 30 years. Tomintoul in Moray, Scotland, hit -6.8C (20F) overnight May 5-6, the lowest May reading since 1997 at Leadhills, Lanarkshire.

More night frosts are due in spots next week.