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square km below the 1981-2010 average. Notably, extent dropped sharply at the end of March, leading to a period of record low extent lasting until late April. This occurred in association with strong southerly winds in the Bering Sea and Barents Sea regions, and rapid sea ice retreat in these areas
pressure will build across the UK early on Wednesday. This will allow temperatures to drop sharply overnight, bringing a notably chilly start. Many rural areas are likely to experience a frost, with a risk of icy patches. A yellow weather warning for ice has been issued. Despite the cold beginning
will continue to see further spells of wet and at times windy weather. However, a significant change develops later in the week, when colder air begins to move south across the UK. By Friday, many areas will notice sharply lower temperatures, increasing the risk of snow, particularly over higher ground
, there are no signs of a prolonged mild spell, as colder air remains close to the north of the UK. The temperature pattern will be up and down, with London seeing a sharp rise followed by a gradual drop, and Edinburgh experiencing less dramatic changes but still some fluctuations. In summary
: Unsettled weather continues as winter sets in Author: Met Office 2 December 2025 Meteorological winter has arrived with a notably wet start across the UK While further rain is expected this week, the most intense downpours are now behind us. A powerful jet stream, fuelled by a sharp temperature
, with a hint of an easterly breeze developing. However, this is not expected to bring a sharp drop in temperatures, as the North Sea and near continent are not particularly cold at present. Instead, temperatures will likely return closer to average. Uncertainty and the role of high pressure Probability
) and a sharp or rumbling sound (thunder). Thunderstorms are associated with convective clouds and are most often, but not necessarily, accompanied by precipitation at the ground. Cumulonimbus clouds (Latin: cumulus – heap; nimbus – rainy cloud) Heavy and dense cloud, of considerable vertical extent
. The storm’s track is uncertain, but it’s likely to run along the south coast, bringing a sharp boundary between rain and snow. A number of weather warnings, including amber warnings for wind and snow, have been issued. Computer models show a number of possible tracks. The difference between rain
to look beyond the UK to the broader North Atlantic region. Analysis of temperature anomalies between 20 January and 3 February shows marked warmth across northern Canada and Greenland and unusually cold conditions across parts of the USA, Scandinavia and northeast Europe. This sharp contrast has
conditions for radiational cooling. High pressure is firmly in control, keeping the weather settled and largely dry, but also allowing temperatures to drop sharply after dark. High pressure dominates: Dry, settled days for most For much of the week, high pressure will be the main influence on our
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