UK weather latest: 'Tropical' air brings sunny and dry conditions for weekend

But temperatures could plummet next week following a 'sudden stratospheric warming' of the Earth’s atmosphere

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Sunshine could make an appearance across the UK this weekend as warm “tropical air” ushers in milder conditions.

Dry and sunny spells will be felt across much of England and Wales on Friday and Saturday, with Scotland and Northern Ireland facing some wind and cloud.

Bright, clear conditions are expected to continue into the weekend in central and southeastern England, with some chance of frost. Temperatures are expected to hover around the 8C mark, but could drop to -2C overnight.

Temperatures could plummet from next week, however, following a “sudden stratospheric warming” (SSW) of the Earth’s atmosphere, forecasters have warned.

The phenomenon, which causes the stratosphere to heat up quickly, “greatly increases the risk of wintry weather”, the Met Office said, and could usher in Arctic temperatures from Tuesday onwards.

But a Met Office spokesperson told The Independent they were still unsure when – and if – the effects would be felt.

“From Tuesday to Thursday there is still a lot of uncertainty. There are two different tracks, one that we retain that mild westerly feel and continual warm weather, interspersed with colder periods,” the spokesperson said.

“The other possibility is cold conditions coming in from the east.”

But even if temperatures do not drop next week, there could be a lag in the effects of the SSW, and a cold snap could occur in the weeks to come, the spokesperson said.

Meanwhile, snow showers are set to continue in northwest Scotland, falling mainly on the mountains.

“There will be some wintry showers on Sunday but they will be increasingly in the mountains of Scotland, with the milder air coming in over the weekend that will push any snow uphill,” a Met Office spokesperson said.