Arctic blast brings snow flurries as temperatures plummet
After highs of up to 18C in the Midlands earlier this month, today temperatures feel more like 3C
Temperatures plummeted in the Midlands today after an Arctic blast brought snow flurries.
Cold air sweeping in from the Arctic brought frosty conditions to the Midlands with snow and sleet falling in some parts.
Earlier this month the UK recorded its warmest October day in seven years with temperatures rising to 25C (77F).
Parts of the Midlands experienced mild conditions with sunny spells and highs of 18C (64F).
But today the Met Office revealed temperatures could feel as low as a chilly 3C (37F).
The chilly snap will bring an end to the largely mild start to autumn, with people advised to dig out their warm winter clothes over the weekend.
People took to social media as snow flurries swept in across the Midlands on Saturday.
WATCH the latest weather forecast:
Heavy snow fall was seen in the north of England today with County Durham facing wintery conditions.
Forecasters warned of patchy ice and slush would affect some routes further north.
Snow may dust the tops of hills in the Pennines in northern England, Snowdonia in north-west Wales, the North York Moors, and across the Scottish Highlands.
Met Office meteorologist Aidan McGivern said: "It will be a fairly chilly start, with temperatures widely close to freezing and that means you'll perhaps have to scrape your car windscreen and you'll see a frost in place first thing."
Eastern parts are likely to see hail, showers and strong winds throughout Saturday, with the odd chance of a thunderstorm.
Gritters are on standby across the country, with a number of councils posting pictures of their fleets online.
Met Office forecaster Bonnie Diamond added: "We have had a pretty mild October so far and a warm start to autumn in places so it will be a big change for everybody as we go through the weekend.
"Certainly it's time to get the warm winter clothes out."
