After a period of unusually warm weather, temperatures across the UK are forecast to drop, with the coldest night of autumn so far expected by midweek. Colder air from the Arctic will arrive, bringing the first frost of the season to some places on Wednesday night.
By dawn on Thursday, minimum temperatures in some areas, particularly northern and eastern England and eastern Scotland, could be just a degree or two above freezing. A touch of frost is likely on grass and car windscreens in these regions.
Alongside the colder conditions, much-needed rainfall is anticipated for England and Wales from midweek. Southern and eastern England, which have experienced particularly dry conditions, could receive around 20 to 30mm of rain, potentially equating to up to half a month's rainfall in 24 hours. Nearly three quarters of England and all of Wales remain in drought.
While it will feel noticeably colder, especially in the south, temperatures are expected to be near normal for the time of year or slightly below. The chilly weather is set to continue into Thursday, with maximum temperatures ranging from 11 to 16C. By Friday, temperatures are predicted to rise again, with milder air pushing across England and Wales.