Are storms gathering on horizon for London? Met Office predicts major weather change in new forecast

London could be set for a particularly wet and windy couple of weeks later this month, according to forecasters.

While this week’s outlook for the capital suggests mild and dry conditions, the Met Office’s long-range forecast points to a distinct change in the second half of November.

According to the national forecaster, high pressure will dominate conditions across the south for the next couple of weeks, with any amounts of rain or drizzle tending to be small.

However, there is an increasing chance of unsettled conditions developing after that, with spells of rain and the potential for strong winds at times.

London could be set for a particularly wet and windy November

Aaron Chown/PA Wire

The wettest conditions could become more focussed across the south of the UK, with Atlantic low-pressure systems sweeping through towards the end of the month.

Temperatures are likely to be near or above average for much of the period, although colder temperatures are more likely later in the month.

Forecasters have warned that the global phenomenon could disrupt the polar vortex – a vast ring of freezing winds high above the Arctic that normally keeps the coldest air contained around the North Pole.

Should the vortex weaken, it could disrupt the jet stream, allowing bitterly cold Arctic air to plunge southwards towards Europe.

Londoners could face freezing temperatures sooner than expected

Ben Whitley/PA Wire

And the impact could be felt across the capital as early as this month, with London facing a sudden drop in temperatures months earlier than previously expected.