UK faces 'brutal' weather shift and it will arrive 'next Wednesday'

The UK faces a -9C temperature shift with "brutal" winter weather finally hitting. The start of the winter has been predicted as temperatures drop NINE degrees this week, with highs moving from 18C to 9C, in a brutal blow to those enjoying the milder mercury.

The weather shift comes ahead of a reported -5C snow blast, which could hit swathes of the north of England, central Scotland, Highlands, Midlands, north west and Wales as we head deeper towards Christmas, with WX Charts showing flurries from November 21.

The mercury peaked at 17.9C in Thomastown, County Fermanagh, yesterday but next Wednesday just 9C is forecast in the same area. In an updated forecast for Thursday (November 7), the Met Office explains of Birmingham and the West Midlands: "Most areas will have another rather cloudy day with some hill fog and the odd patch of drizzle.

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"Some sunshine across northern Scotland and locally elsewhere in the north and west, where also breezy. Mild where the sun breaks through." Looking ahead to tonight, it adds: "Staying mostly cloudy and mild, with hill fog and some drizzle in places.

"Cloud breaking locally in the north and west to give clear intervals, and here turning rather chilly." Its Friday forecast adds: "Another mostly dry, though rather cloudy day. The best chance of any brightness will be towards the north and west. A little breezy, and a slightly cooler day for many."

The outlook for Saturday to Monday goes on to explain: " Little change on Saturday, with most places cloudy. Patchy drizzle, though a few brighter breaks. Light rain moving southeastwards during Sunday, introducing some clearer weather for Sunday night and Monday."

The BBC forecast for the weekend, meanwhile, explains: "Saturday will see largely overcast skies and just the odd patch of drizzle around, but northern Scotland will remain brighter. Sunday is expected to see a band of rain sweep through from the west, however the rain will reach eastern areas light and very patchy. Monday looks to turn largely dry and bright, with just the chance of a few isolated showers in the far east."