Wrap up warm, guys: Bonfire Night revellers face the freeze

Fireworks fans may need to huddle a little closer to the bonfire on Saturday night, with temperatures expected to dip to freezing across parts of the UK.

Published 5th Nov 2016

Fireworks fans may need to huddle a little closer to the bonfire on Saturday night, with temperatures expected to dip to freezing across parts of the UK.

Forecasters have predicted a chilly weekend, with the risk of snow in pockets of Scotland on Bonfire Night.

Areas blessed with clear skies and bright sunshine during the day will see the temperatures drop, while icy winds are expected to ravage parts of the coastline.

But crowds gathering for annual celebrations in Edenbridge, Kent, and Lewes, East Sussex, and the traditional carrying of the tar barrels in Ottery St Mary, Devon, should enjoy dry and clear conditions.

Met Office spokesman Grahame Madge said: "The general picture for Saturday is that it is going to be dry with some sunshine and showers - possibly heavy in the north of England and Scotland.

"It's going to be cold everywhere and chilly in the north and east of England, accentuated by the wind, with a risk of some gales.

"On areas where there are showers and clear skies, there is a risk of some frost and there might be a bit of snow in Scotland."

He said the highest figures during the day would be around London (11C / 52F), before the temperatures drop going into the evening.

He said: "Most places will be in single digits, possibly down to zero or even minus one in places that have clear skies."

Huge crowds will gather in Edenbridge, where an effigy of Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump will be burned, and one of the country's biggest bonfire night celebrations in Lewes.

Temperatures will plummet to 5C (41F) at the Kent-based events, but conditions will be dry and skies clear apart from some patchy cloud, Met Office forecaster Emma Boorman said.

Thousands of people are also expected in Ottery St Mary - where temperatures will plummet to 3C (37F) - to watch participants carry flaming barrels of tar through the streets.

"It will be clear, there won't be too much in the way of cloud, but it's going to be cold so people definitely need to take an extra layer," Ms Boorman said.

"You'll definitely be able to see your breath and it will feel like Bonfire Night."