After a period of low-pressure dominance bringing a short-lived return to wet and windy weather, a high-pressure system is on the way. This means cold conditions are likely to take hold, with temperatures falling below average by the end of this week. 

Rain, wind, and clear and bright spells to start 

Mixed conditions will kick-start February, with mostly dry conditions today in England and Wales, and scattered sunny spells once low cloud and fog clears. Northern Ireland and Scotland will be much more unsettled, with coastal gales and a Yellow warning for rain has been issued for parts of Dumfries & Galloway. 

Rain and strong winds are expected on Monday night and into Tuesday, initially in north western Wales and England, reaching eastern England by early evening on Tuesday but much lighter and more patchy by that time. It will be dry ahead of, and also behind this front across southern areas, with sunny intervals expected and temperatures a little above average. Tuesday night will bring wintry showers over higher ground in Scotland, with the risk of ice affecting some untreated surfaces. 

A cold snap ahead 

Frank Saunders, Met Office Chief Meteorologist, said: “It’s worth being aware that despite a largely pleasant week ahead, there’s a good chance the UK will experience a dip in temperatures at the weekend and into next week. High-pressure is set to move in, bringing along with it easterly winds, low temperatures and an increasing risk of wintry hazards like snow and ice. We’ll know more as the week goes on so it’s worth keeping up-to-date with the forecast in your area.”  

What weather does high pressure bring to the UK? 

Areas of high pressure generally bring with them settled and dry conditions. Sometimes,stratocumulus cloud can become established leading to several days of no sunshine, which suppresses daytime temperatures, but often areas of high pressure bring clear skies which allow for some cold nights, frost and fog. On this occasion the centre of the high is expected to lie over Scandinavia with easterly winds on its southern flank bringing cold air from the continent into the UK.

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A frosty fence at a misty sunrise.