Snow could hit Leeds from Easter Sunday with 'arctic plunge' just days after scorching heat wave

The Met Office has warned that despite temperatures climbing to over 20°C today, conditions are set to change dramatically later this week and over the Easter weekend.

Deputy Chief Meteorologist, Mark Sidaway, said: “After a settled, warm spell with plenty of sunshine particularly across England and Wales our weather will take a notable change in direction later in the weekend.

“Very cold Arctic air will move in from the north west through Sunday, bringing snow showers and freezing overnight temperatures. The snow showers will predominantly affect the north and west of the UK.

“The south and east will likely remain drier but still cold with a lower chance of wintry showers.”

The greatest chance of snow lies on high ground in the north and west of the UK.

The Met Office have also warned these will be accompanied by very strong northerly winds.

The BBC said in their Yorkshire weather report today: “It’s the last day of the unseasonably warm weather so do enjoy it.

“We have a front that is moving through that is going to change those temperatures for us. So on Thursday temperatures will be at around 10 or 11 degrees.”

What is the forecast for Leeds from the Met Office?

Thursday:

Mostly cloudy to start Thursday but turning brighter with some sunny spells developing. Colder with a chilly breeze from the North Sea. Maximum temperature 11 °C.

Outlook for Friday to Sunday:

Mainly dry and rather cool through Friday and Saturday with sunny spells, light winds and a risk of overnight frosts. Bright and breezy Sunday. Rain arriving later and turning colder.

Plants and animals could take a hit from the temperature plunge:

The Met Office says dramatic swings in temperature like this are not unusual for springtime in the UK, but such drastic change in weather poses challenges to agriculture and horticulture.

Phil Stocker, chief executive of the National Sheep Association said: “Sheep and livestock farmers, especially in the UK’s uplands, are acutely aware of the potential for a spring cold snap which can bring devastation and soul-destroying losses during lambing time.

“The sector has endured several cold weather events during recent springs and these have wrought considerable hardship to both stock and hill farmers.

“However, being aware of the approaching change in weather type will allow farmers to buffer the impacts by taking action to avoid the worst losses.”

The Met Office warns that gardeners should take care with what they are planting out with the coming chance of frosts across the UK.

Guy Barter, chief horticulturist at the Royal Horticultural Society, said: “Gardener’s hearts are in their mouths through April as they anxiously scan the weather forecasts for frost warnings ready to rush out and cover vulnerable plants to ward off damage.”