A cold front is moving south across Northern Ireland today, bringing heavy rain and below-average temperatures as Met Office forecasters warn of possible overnight frosts
A blast of Arctic air is poised to sweep across Northern Ireland, bringing below-average temperatures and heavy downpours.
Chillier air sweeping down from the north is expected to grip the UK over the coming days, with mercury readings sitting 2C or 3C below the typical May maximums, according to the Met Office.
Overnight frosts may also develop across parts of the country, before temperatures begin to recover closer to seasonal norms by the weekend.
Met Office spokesman Grahame Madge said: “The current weather pattern is allowing for a movement of colder air from further north to sweep down across the UK over the next few days.
“This is not unusual in spring and it should not present any particular challenges. The most noticeable feature for many is that temperatures will appear below average, possibly feeling even colder in the brisk northerly breeze.
“Overnight some locations may experience relatively late in the season overnight frosts, while there is a chance that the Scottish mountains could experience wintry showers.
“But generally these conditions won’t be impactful and there is no current need to issue weather warnings.”
A cold front is tracking southwards across Northern Ireland and the Midlands on Monday, bringing rainfall – some of which could potentially be heavy – with peak temperatures of 15C or 16C in the south, Mr Madge confirmed.
By evening, some sunny spells will emerge, before Tuesday brings clearer intervals and scattered showers, with highs of around 16C or 17C anticipated. On Wednesday, squally downpours will likely be extensive, with substantial rainfall predicted across northern Britain, alongside possible coastal gales, Mr Madge noted.
Certain locations could experience 20-30mm of precipitation, hail and occasional thunder, while peak temperatures of 14C are anticipated, Mr Madge stated.
The Met Office continues to monitor Thursday which remains subject to change, though a showery day appears probable at present. Both Thursday and Friday are set to bring variable conditions.
Thursday’s temperatures are anticipated to mirror Wednesday’s figures, before Friday potentially rises by a degree, Mr Madge explained.
Joe Whitehead, chairman of the Professional Gardeners’ Guild, described May as the most challenging month and acknowledged it can prove “so difficult” for those tending gardens.
He suggested his recommendation is to “look at the weather every day so you’ve got an idea of what’s coming up”.
He continued: “Anything tender, bring them in to the garage, to the porch, or cover them with something. In your allotment, think about your potatoes coming through the ground.”
Mr Whitehead, who is based in East England, expressed he’s eager for rainfall, so feels relatively satisfied with the forecast indicating showers, though he cautioned gardeners against excessive watering of plants.
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