Britons are likely to encounter two storms bringing substantial rain and snow over the next few days, with up to 10cm (four inches) of snow expected to accumulate in certain regions of the country.
Forecast models indicate a significant weather front moving across the entire UK during the early hours of December 4. Precipitation is projected to fall as rain in Northern Ireland, Wales, England, and southern parts of Scotland, while central and northern Scotland may experience significant snowfall.
By midday on December 4, weather model maps suggest that all of England and Wales will be covered in rain, with snowfall expected in north-west Scotland. Following this, snow is anticipated to affect England, Wales, and Northern Ireland the next day as another weather system approaches.
Maps for December 5 depict light snow in Northern Ireland around midday, with heavy snow expected in Ireland, particularly in Dublin. Snowfall in England is forecast to start in the Yorkshire Dales and Pennines before spreading throughout the day.
By 3pm on December 5, maps show snow falling in a band stretching from central Wales to the east coast of England, encompassing towns like Manchester, Stoke, Leeds, and Sheffield. Northern England could see around 3cm of snow on the ground, with up to 10cm possible in the Scottish Highlands according to the data.
The Met Office has also indicated the possibility of snow at the beginning of next month. Their forecast for December 1 to 10 predicts changeable and unsettled conditions across the UK, with showers or longer periods of rain expected. The likelihood of snow is higher in northern high ground, with strong winds also anticipated at times.
BBC Weather’s forecast for December 1 to 7 suggests milder than average conditions for the UK due to low pressure near Iceland. West to south-westerly wind flows are projected, bringing unsettled weather with periods of rain and strong winds. Any sleet or snow is expected to be limited to higher areas of Scotland, with reduced frost risks.
As the week progresses, there is a slight chance of a temporary shift to cooler northwesterly winds, but this remains a low-risk scenario.
