Snow, chill to depart UK

The opportunity for snow will diminish gradually across the United Kingdom as milder air streams in on Sunday.

After snow showers created slippery travel across the western U.K. into the start of the weekend, the track of the next depression from the Atlantic Ocean will bring a turn to milder and rainy weather for the U.K.

After first reaching Northern Ireland, Wales and South West England on Saturday night, rain will spread across the rest of the U.K. on Sunday.

"Overall, there is not a concern for widespread flooding as a moderate amount of rain is expected," said AccuWeather Meteorologist Rob Richards.

However, localized flooding cannot be ruled out across western areas.

As the wet weather moves into the country, snow can fall initially across the northern U.K.

"If the cold air hangs on long enough, there can be a quick coating of snow in the lowest elevations before the changeover to rain," AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Kristina Pydynowski said.

"However, motorists should still use caution a few hours after temperatures rise above freezing. Following a frigid Saturday night, roads and sidewalks may be slower to warm up and can turn icy," she said.

Snow and ice will hang on longer in the hills, leading to more treacherous travel and disruptions.

Accompanying the rain will be the arrival of warmer air.

Milder air will send temperatures soaring to 7-12 C (45-54 F) on Sunday in Northern Ireland, Wales and western and southern England.

The normal high temperature in London for mid-January is around 6 C (43 F), but temperatures will reach near 10 C (50 F) in the afternoon.

The chill will be slower to leave Scotland and North East England. However, these communities will join the rest of the U.K. in experiencing above-normal warmth on Monday.

The mild stretch should continue through much of the new week, with temperatures expected to pass the 10 C-degree mark (50 F) in London most days.

Whilst the U.K. will dry out on Monday, a new depression will bring showers to northern areas at night. A gradual turn to unsettled weather is expected across more of the U.K. into midweek.

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