A huge black smoke cloud may be seen over parts of the UK in the coming days as winds blow over from the USA wildfires that have ravaged the west coast. It brings with it a cold Atlantic chill, with temperatures expected to drop nationwide from today.
A western shift pattern has brought the ominous smoke cloud to UK skies, and has been spotted by weather watchers in recent days.
Thankfully the situation has improved in the USA in recent days, but fires are still raging across the coast after a very dry summer and hot conditions.
The smoke cloud has been seen in recent days heading over northern Scotland and parts of the highlands, moving onto Scandanavia and northwestern Europe.
The smoke was pushed along by ex hurricane Sally which produced powerful southwesterly winds.
Unfortunately for the UK the smoke will not bring any warm weather with it.
Temperatures have plummeted overnight with some areas close to freezing as a cold snap envelopes the country.
The Met Office predicts the entire country will be “feeling colder” as we lose the high pressure that has dominated in recent weeks, making way from a low pressure bluster from the Atlantic.
Alex Deakin, Met Office Meteorologist, said: “Did somebody order Autumn?
“A definite change in our weather taking place and now that we’re past the equinox it’s Autumn however you measure it.
In Scotland and Northern Ireland, temperature are predicted to barely scrape 11 to 13C.
The Met Office report for Wednesday reads: “Occasional rain, perhaps heavy, affecting some southern and eastern areas, although the far east and southeast reasonably warm and bright for a time.
“Elsewhere sunny intervals and showers and a much cooler feel, although compensated by sunshine and lighter winds.”
The cold snap will continue into Thursday, also bringing rain and frost to some areas.
The report continues: “Rain slowing across parts of northern England and southeast Scotland. Further north, scattered showers and sunshine.
“Southern areas windy with heavy blustery showers and coastal gales. Feeling rather cold.”
Susan Powell, BBC Meteorologist, said: “By mid-week, it will be much cooler, much windier, and for many, wetter as well.
“The reason for the change – we lose the persistent area of high pressure.”
She added: “Areas of low pressure will take over from the Atlantic, eventually dragging in Arctic air.”
