Snow returns to Derbyshire next week as a sharp northerly bites, here is the short icy window commuters need to watch on 20 November

Early flurries could brush the hills before most of us even step outside.

After weeks of gusty winds and relentless rain across the UK, forecasters now flag a turn to colder, cleaner air over the Midlands and the Peak District. The first hints of snow arrive with a narrow band of showers and a notable nip, with parts of Derbyshire slipping close to or below freezing for a time.

The shift follows widespread flooding in recent days, so ground conditions remain soggy and exposed routes feel raw. Into next week, BBC Weather points to the first flakes of the season in several Derbyshire towns and villages, most clearly on 20 November. The window looks short.

Derbyshire snow forecast next week, and the brief window that matters

Forecasters now expect light snow and light winds between 6am and 8am across much of the county, before a quick turn to sleet. Through the rest of the day, sunny intervals return with highs around 5C and lows near 1C. For northern counties nationally, the mercury could dip to as low as -2C. In the coldest parts of Derbyshire, including Buxton, temperatures could touch -1C, while most places sit at lows around 0C.

That early window is the one to watch for commuters and school runs. Roads wont be icy everywhere, and sunshine later helps, but shaded lanes and higher routes can hold on to chill. The briefness of the event does not erase the bite.

The broader picture looks changeable. Forecasters see a shove of cloud, rain and stronger winds pushing south at midweek, only for the cold to reload from the north behind it. That shuffle leaves Derbyshire in and out of winter through short bursts.

What BBC Weather and the Met Office are now saying

BBC Weather has issued its first snow signal of the season for Derbyshire, flagging flurries through the early morning before showers turn to sleet. For many, that means wet pavements, brisk walks and a quick scrape of the windscreen. For the hillier spots, a light covering is not out of the question, though it should be fleeting.

The Met Office paints a similar theme for the UK as a whole. In a short outlook, a spokesperson said: « Overnight frost will be widespread, especially in the north. » The update continues with a note of a brief milder pulse before the colder air returns. « Towards the middle of next week, an area of rain and stronger winds may move southeast across much of the UK, bringing a brief less cold spell, before a resumption of the cold northerly airflow with further wintry showers. »

That pattern fits late November, when daytime brightness can mislead and temperatures slide quickly after dusk. Wrap layers for the school gates and plan extra minutes for the morning start. It is a small adjustment that saves a rush.

Where and when the first flakes could appear in Derbyshire

The standout timing remains 6am to 8am on 20 November, when the air turns just cold enough for flakes at lower levels for a short spell. By mid morning, many places switch to sleety showers, then brighter spells take hold.

• Derby – light sleet through the morning then sunshine. Highs 5C, lows 1C
• Chesterfield – light sleet during the morning followed by drizzle and sunshine. Highs 5C, lows 1C
• Buxton – light snowfall all morning then sunshine. Highs 2C, lows -1C
• Bakewell – light snow and sleet then sunshine. Highs 4C, lows 0C
• Ashbourne – light snow and sleet then sunshine. Highs 4C, lows 1C
• Swadlincote – snow and sleet then sunshine. Highs 4C, lows 1C

For many, the day brings crisp, bright skies once the early showers clear. That said, sheltered valleys can feel colder than the thermometer suggests when the wind drops and surfaces stay damp. Keep an eye on bridges and untreated pavements at first light.

Short cold snaps often tease before winter truly beds in. This one fits that mould. A narrow window, a few flakes, and a reminder that proper coat weather is back.