A cold snap is set to hit the UK from next weekend after a milder and windless period has hampered renewable energy production.
UK Met Office forecasts show northerly winds bringing colder Arctic air and more unsettled conditions over the weekend and into next week.
Snow could be on the cards ahead as a result, starting with higher ground in the north, Met Office deputy chief meteorologist Mark Sidaway said on Tuesday.
“There is a lot of uncertainty by Sunday, but there remain a number of scenarios which could bring some more widespread rain, along with some hill snow and stronger winds.
“Warnings for winter hazards are possible later in the weekend, so it’s important to stay up to date with the latest forecast.”
This comes as cloudy and still conditions have seen renewable energy generation hit recently.
Due to this, fossil fuels produced 50.6% of the UK’s power over the past week, against a share of 28.3% over the past year, according to National Grid figures compiled by grid.iamkate.
Renewable generation made up 17.6% of the UK’s energy in the meantime, compared to 37.7% in the last year.
This has coincided with a drop in sunshine against previous years over the start of November so far, Met Office figures show.
Sunshine over the month so far has accounted for just 14% of November’s long-term average, with 37% typically being seen at this point, the forecaster said.
Even in winter, solar technology generates power for the UK, with solar being able to provide around 20% of the UK’s electricity on some days.
Gas prices have surged as the UK and Europe race to acquire limited supplies of gas, climbing by 12.5% since the start of the month to 111.81p per therm as of Tuesday.
We have been paying much higher prices for natural gas than the EU in recent weeks, the FT reported last week, as the UK tries to outbid its near neighbours for limited supplies heading into the winter, exacerbated by the UK’s gas system's high transmission costs and lack of storage.
Coupled with a shortage of available liquefied natural gas around the world, it means the UK is having to offer a much higher price to try to secure supplies.