Met Office says mercury to rocket by a huge 17C in December amid mild spell

Sunday marks the start of the meteorological winter - but forecasters say it won't feel like the cold season at all, as temperatures are going to climb to around 14C

Temperatures will tomorrow rocket to 14C - a massive change of nearly 17C in just two days - as the UK enjoys a "brief mild spell" at the start of meteorological winter.

Sunday heralds the start of the new season - and the beginning of December - but it will feel more like April, forecasters say. It is a stark contrast to Friday's lows of -2.8C, recorded in Santon Downham, Suffolk, and -1.4C in East Malling, Kent.

Tom Morgan, a meteorologist for the Met Office, said "We're going to see temperatures, five, six, seven degrees above average for late November, early December as we go through this weekend.

"Over Saturday and Sunday, temperatures are more typical of April maximum temperatures, but then by Monday and Tuesday, most parts of the UK will see more typical if not below average temperatures once again. It's just a brief mild spell."

Many areas are still suffering the impacts of Storm Bert and Storm Conall, which caused rural communities to be cut off after flooding. Three men tragically killed in separate road traffic incidents thought to have been caused by Storm Bert.

But the "topsy turvy" temperatures continue to take another twist with highs of 14C expected on Sunday lunchtime, particularly across Southwest England, and parts of the Midlands. Mr Morgan continued: "Everywhere will see temperatures of between 12 and 14C.

"From late on Sunday, it will start to turn a little bit colder across Scotland, and then on Monday, that cold air will flood its way south to the remaining parts of the UK."

This will lead to the return of "disruptive weather" early next week, especially across Northeast England where significant rainfall is forecast on Monday. A fresh band of low pressure from the west will cause downpours for most of the country on Wednesday, with the potential for snow across Scotland and higher ground across England, like on the Peak District hills.

There are still 40 flood warnings in place, most of which concern waterways across the Home Counties and parts of the Midlands. There is particular worry for the River Severn in Worcestershire and Gloucestershire, particularly around Tewkesbury, which flooded at the start of the year when Storm Henk hit.