First proper cold spell of winter expected

Not for the first time this winter, westerly gales have been battering parts of the UK this evening, with gusts in our region reaching 72mph at High Bradfield on the South Yorkshire Pennines.

But the jet stream is set to weaken and alter course, and as a result the UK is in for the first proper cold spell of the winter so far.

It will mark a big departure from last winter which was almost completely dominated by westerly winds.

In the coming days the air will be cold enough for showers to turn to sleet and snow at times.

Sharp night frosts will also become a feature of the weather.

And by the middle of next week, with the jet stream to the south of the UK, pressure will build to the north, with some models suggesting the first easterly of the winter so far.

Some sleet and snow is likely in places, but just how much, and where, is something that forecasters will be able to firm up on over the coming days.

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