As November draws to a close, the United Kingdom and the northeastern United States are both bracing for a dynamic stretch of late-autumn weather, with forecasters warning of shifting temperatures, strong winds, and the potential for rain and snow that could disrupt travel and daily routines. The week leading up to November 28, 2025, has already seen the UK gripped by cold and frosty conditions, with school closures and weather warnings issued in the north, according to The Independent. Meanwhile, across the Atlantic, New Englanders awoke to a brisk and blustery Black Friday, with gusty winds and the promise of unsettled weather in the days ahead, as reported by regional meteorologists.
In the UK, the Met Office has described a week of weather that has kept residents reaching for their warmest coats. On Wednesday, November 26, a chilly start saw fog and mist blanketing eastern regions, with temperatures dipping to around 3°C. Western areas, by contrast, faced showers and windy conditions. "There’s no significant snow in the current forecast period, with a mild westerly regime in charge bringing a mixture of sunny spells and periods of rain through this week," a Met Office spokesperson told The Independent. While Wednesday night brought a brief respite with milder temperatures—up to 8°C in London—heavy showers persisted in the North and North West, setting the stage for a damp Thursday.
Thursday, November 27, saw temperatures in the South East hovering around 12°C, with slightly warmer readings in northern England. But the mild spell was short-lived. As the week progressed, forecasters warned of "changeable" conditions, particularly in the North, where gusty winds were expected to make a return on Friday. By November 28, temperatures were forecast to drop back to single digits, with the mercury falling to 8°C in the South East and just 4°C in Scotland on Saturday morning. Overnight, parts of the Highlands were predicted to reach freezing, while the rest of the UK would see temperatures between 2°C and 5°C.
Looking ahead to Sunday, November 30, the Met Office anticipated heavy rainfall as a low-pressure system swept across the country. Temperatures were expected to settle around 4°C for much of the UK, with snow likely confined to the high ground in the North. "Some heavy rain or showers are expected, most often in the West, although with a risk some of this could spread to other areas at times," the forecaster noted. Despite the wet outlook, significant snowfall was not in the cards for most regions, though a bit of sleet could dust the Scottish mountains later in the week. "Snow will probably be confined to high ground in the North," the Met Office added, emphasizing that most of the UK would see temperatures near or slightly above average for late November.
While the UK faces its own set of meteorological challenges, New Englanders are contending with a similarly unsettled pattern. Shoppers venturing out early on Friday, November 28, for Black Friday bargains were greeted by a biting wind, with afternoon highs in the low 40s Fahrenheit (around 5 to 7°C) and gusts reaching 30 to 40 mph. According to local forecasts, "It’s a cool start to the day across the region, and anyone heading out early for Black Friday deals will want to bundle up." The blustery conditions made the air feel even colder, and partly cloudy skies offered little relief.
Saturday, November 29, promised a crisp but sunny day, with morning temperatures below freezing in the 20s Fahrenheit (about -6 to -1°C). While the sunshine was welcome, highs were only expected to recover to the low 40s. For those planning to decorate outdoors or enjoy some late-fall activities, gloves were a must. "It’s a crisp late-November day—good for outdoor decorating, but gloves will come in handy," forecasters advised.
But the calm was not to last. Sunday, November 30, was set to begin cool and quiet, but an incoming storm system was expected to bring rain to eastern Massachusetts by the afternoon, with snow likely in higher elevations inland. "Rain develops across eastern Massachusetts during the afternoon, while the higher elevations in the interior have a better chance of seeing snow," meteorologists warned. West of I-495, a few wet snowflakes might mix in as the storm arrived, though significant coastal impacts were not expected. The combination of rain and a wintry mix posed a risk for slick travel conditions Sunday afternoon and evening—a critical window for holiday travelers heading home after Thanksgiving. "The rain and wintry mix on November 30, 2025, could cause slick travel conditions Sunday afternoon and evening, impacting holiday travelers," local forecasters cautioned.
After the Sunday storm, Monday, December 1, was expected to bring a brief period of calm, with dry conditions and cooler-than-normal air settling in. But the reprieve would be short-lived. Another storm loomed on the horizon for Tuesday, December 2, carrying the potential for both rain and snow. This system was being watched closely, as it offered a better chance for accumulating snow locally compared to Sunday’s storm. "Travel impacts are possible, depending on the exact track and temperatures, and we’ll continue to fine-tune those details over the next couple of days," meteorologists said.
For both the UK and New England, the unsettled weather comes at a time when millions are on the move—whether for school, holiday shopping, or returning home after Thanksgiving. In the UK, periods of strong wind are possible, especially around coasts if deep areas of low pressure form nearby. Some short-lived spells of drier weather may pop up, particularly in the South East, but overall, the forecast calls for a blend of rain, wind, and the occasional sunny break. "Changeable and unsettled conditions are expected across the UK during this period, with low pressure expected to bring rain," the Met Office told The Independent.
Across New England, the focus remains on the timing and intensity of the upcoming storms, with local authorities urging travelers to monitor forecasts closely and prepare for rapidly changing conditions. With the potential for slick roads, reduced visibility, and sudden shifts from rain to snow, even short journeys could become hazardous. It’s a reminder that late November is a season of surprises, where a mild afternoon can give way to a wintry squall in a matter of hours.
As both regions look ahead to December, residents are advised to keep an eye on the skies, dress in layers, and stay tuned to the latest updates from trusted weather sources. Whether it’s rain, wind, or a dusting of snow, the message is clear: winter’s unpredictable grip is tightening, and preparation is key to navigating whatever comes next.
