UK weather: Cooler autumnal temperatures and cloudy skies

Mercury will drop as week goes on

England and Wales can expect cloudy skies with occasional showers (PA)

Temperatures are set to drop as we head into the middle of the week, with a definite autumnal chill to be felt on Wednesday.

Scotland and Northern Ireland should enjoy some sunshine despite the colder weather, but can also expect scattered showers throughout the day, according to the Met Office. Wales and England will have cloudy skies with rain in the afternoon.

The change in weather, following an unseasonably warm few days, is due to a cold front sweeping across the UK on Tuesday evening. 

“Wednesday morning will see the first appreciable rain in several weeks across England and Wales", the Met Office said. ”Meanwhile after overnight rain, Scotland and Northern Ireland will start bright but chilly with a few showers."

Wednesday will see the mercury drop in most places, with temperatures in the low teens. The southeast might hit 20C before the evening showers. The southwest should expect heavy rains this evening.

Thursday morning will see a new band of clouds move in, with blustery showers moving across Wales and England. The north of England or southeast Scotland is likely to get the worst of it, with a wet afternoon to be expected in these parts. Wales can also expect showers throughout the day.

The cooler temperatures will continue into Thursday, with most areas struggling in the low teens. Peaks of 16C are expected in the southeast.

Friday is likely to get even chillier, with cold air moving south as we come up to the weekend. There will be sunny intervals broken up by showers. The much cooler temperatures will continue into the weekend.