Met Office responds to claims of ‘arctic blast’ hitting the UK

Met Office forecasts have suggested a so-called "arctic blast" is unlikely to hit the UK.

Numerous media reports have referenced an "arctic blast" in their headlines, suggesting freezing conditions.

"Arctic blast" is not a term used by the Met Office, but its forecasts indicate the next few weeks will be no colder than usual.

In its forecast for 12 to 21 November, it has said most areas will be "largely dry with a good chance of sunny spells" before "some wetter, windier weather" hits towards the end of this period.

It said temperatures will be "around average", though with the "potential for some rather cold spells".

And in its forecast for 22 November to 6 December, the agency said the weather is likely to be "more unsettled" than in early November, with some "wet and windy interludes".

In terms of temperature, however, the mercury is "more likely to be around or above average".

The Met Office has become increasingly vocal against headlines predicting extreme weather events. “Talking about the weather is a national obsession in the UK,” it says in guidance, “making it a popular subject for the media.

“However, our weather is not always exciting or extreme, meaning misleading or exaggerated headlines can appear at times."

Only last Friday, it was rejecting reports of a "mini heat bomb" which was apparently set to hit the UK this week.

• Read more: Met Office dismisses inappropriate reports that 'mini heat bomb' will hit UK (Yahoo News UK)

Here, as we move through November, Yahoo News UK breaks down what the weather will be like for each region of the UK over the next few days.

London and the South-East

• Saturday

Another dull day with continuous cloud, patchy drizzle expected throughout, especially towards the coast. Light winds. Maximum temperature 9C.

• Sunday to Tuesday

Cloudy with rain moving southeast on Sunday, clearing later. Monday will be drier and sunny. Isolated mist and fog on Tuesday morning, then fine. Temperatures gradually falling.

South-West

• Saturday

Another predominantly cloudy day and whilst dry for many, rather damp at times in south Devon and Cornwall with some rain and drizzle. Temperatures around or a little above average. Maximum temperature 14C.

• Sunday to Tuesday

Cloudy and damp at first on Sunday, brighter in places later. Generally dry early next week with sunny spells though cloudier at times. Chance of frost and fog overnight.

Midlands

• Saturday

East Midlands: Another dull day with continuous cloud, patchy drizzle expected throughout, especially towards the coast. Light winds. Maximum temperature 8C.

West Midlands: Another predominantly dry and cloudy day but sunny intervals breaking through in places. The chance of some drizzly rain developing later, especially during the evening. Feeling rather cool. Maximum temperature 10C.

• Sunday to Tuesday

East Midlands: Cloudy with rain moving southeast Sunday, clearing later. Monday will be drier and sunny. Isolated fog Tuesday morning, becoming sunny, with some isolated coastal showers. Temperatures gradually falling.

West Midlands: Cloudy and damp for much of Sunday, though brighter later. Generally dry on Monday and Tuesday with sunny spells though cloudier at times. Chance of frost and fog overnight.

North-East

• Saturday

Another dull day with continuous cloud, patchy drizzle expected throughout, especially towards the coast. Light winds. Maximum temperature 10C.

• Sunday to Tuesday

Cloudy with rain moving southeast on Sunday, clearing later. Monday will be drier and sunny. Isolated mist and fog on Tuesday morning, then fine. Temperatures gradually falling.

North-West

• Saturday

Another predominantly dry and cloudy day but sunny intervals breaking through in places. The chance of some drizzly rain developing later, especially during the evening. Feeling rather cool. Maximum temperature 10C.

• Sunday to Tuesday

Cloudy and damp for much of Sunday, though brighter later. Generally dry on Monday and Tuesday with sunny spells though cloudier at times. Chance of frost and fog overnight.

Scotland

• Saturday

Mainly cloudy with a little drizzle. Feeling somewhat colder than of late. Maximum temperature 10C.

• Sunday to Tuesday

Patchy rain on Sunday morning. Then dry and eventually brighter in the afternoon although a few showers in the evening. Dry on Monday and Tuesday.

Northern Ireland

• Saturday

Little change, remaining cloudy with the odd patch of drizzle but many places will be dry. Maximum temperature 12C.

• Sunday to Tuesday

Cloud a little rain at first on Sunday otherwise dry and sunny. Remaining dry with some sunshine into early next week.

Wales

• Saturday

Another predominantly dry and cloudy day but sunny intervals breaking through in places. The chance of some drizzly rain developing later, especially by the evening. Feeling rather cool. Maximum temperature 12C.

• Sunday to Tuesday

Cloudy and damp at first on Sunday, brighter later. Generally dry on Monday and Tuesday with sunny spells though cloudier at times. Chance of frost and fog overnight.