Britain braces for colder and wetter weather as 'big change' this week could bring hail and thunder

Oliver Partridge
Sun, 22 Mar 2026 17:18:26 +0000

The Met Office has issued a warning that Britain faces "a big change" in weather conditions this week, with temperatures set to fall significantly below seasonal norms following a brief taste of spring warmth.

Just days ago, the nation basked in its mildest weather of 2026 on Wednesday, with Gogerddan in Wales recording highs of 22.9C.

However, forecasters say that balmy spell is firmly over, with colder and wetter conditions arriving from today onwards.

Met Office meteorologist Honor Criswick said temperatures would be "widely below average for the time of year, which is around 11 celsius for the UK".

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Ms Criswick claimed conditions are "turning colder from Wednesday" though periods of brightness will punctuate the unsettled weather.

"Some showers will be heavy with some hail and thunder, and may bring some snow to modest hills, with small accumulations likely," she said.

The forecaster also warned that "ice could also develop in places on both Tuesday and Wednesday night".

Thermometers are expected to show readings between 6 celsius and 10 celsius, though brisk northerly winds will make it feel considerably chillier.

For many areas, the wind chill factor will push perceived temperatures down to low single figures, according to the Met Office.

North-west Scotland faces the prospect of strong gusts reaching 30 to 40mph on Monday as the unsettled conditions take hold.

Fellow Met Office forecaster Greg Dewhurst explained that "it is all change from the north" as the week progresses, with a "cold front" pushing its way down through the country.

The combination of rain, wind and plunging temperatures marks a stark contrast to the pleasant spring conditions enjoyed across much of Britain in recent days.

Seasonal averages typically sit around 11 celsius for this time of year, meaning the forecast represents a notable departure from what Britons might ordinarily expect in late March.