An Arctic blast is expected to bring snow back to the UK this week, with some areas potentially receiving up to 4cm of snowfall. The ECMWF weather model indicates that an Atlantic system will move across the UK on Friday, likely bringing rain but also the possibility of snow in certain regions.
By 6pm on Friday, heavy snow is forecasted for North Wales, while light snow flurries could occur in the Lake District. Southern and central England are expected to experience a band of rain, with Northern Ireland also likely to see heavy downpours.
The snow is projected to advance northward, with heavy snowfall anticipated in the far north of England and southern Scotland by 9pm. Light snow may also fall in the Midlands and just south of Birmingham. By midnight, central and northern Scotland are likely to have the most snow accumulation, with sporadic flurries continuing in the north-east of England.
Snow depth charts for midnight on Friday suggest that parts of the Midlands, Staffordshire, Yorkshire, the Lake District, the Pennines, and southern and northern Scotland could have settled snow. The highest accumulation is expected in Galloway Forest Park, where around 4cm of snowfall is forecasted.
Although the Met Office has not yet confirmed snow for the week, its forecast from Thursday to Saturday indicates further rain and showers across the country, with fog patches possible on Friday morning. Temperatures are expected to be around the seasonal average during this period.
Looking ahead to December 6 to 15, the Met Office predicts unsettled conditions with more showers or longer spells of rain affecting the UK. A frontal zone moving east on Saturday could bring heavy rain, especially in hilly areas exposed to strong southerly winds. Showers, potentially heavy and thundery, are expected to follow, with the possibility of more heavy rain across most areas on Monday. Temperatures are likely to be near average, with wet and breezy conditions making it feel chilly, although little frost or fog is expected during this unsettled spell.
