Parts of the United Kingdom are likely to experience heavy snowfall at a rate of 5cm per hour in the aftermath of Storm Amy. The latest weather models indicate that snow is expected to fall in certain regions by mid-October, marking the onset of the winter season for many areas.
Scotland is expected to be particularly impacted, with snowfall forecasted for October 18 and 19. Locations such as Perth, Inverness, and later Ross and Cromarty could see snow accumulation, while the rest of the UK is anticipated to face significant rainfall during the same period. Northern England and Scotland will witness rain moving eastward as conditions become increasingly unsettled towards the end of the month.
The Met Office’s weather outlook from October 18 to November 1 suggests a shift to more unsettled conditions later in October. There is a possibility of successive depressions moving in from the Atlantic or a slower evolving weather pattern, leading to more frequent rain showers and potentially strong winds. Overall, temperatures are expected to remain close to average during this period.
Storm Amy, the first named storm of the season, is currently affecting the UK with winds reaching speeds of up to 100mph. Amber warnings have been issued across the country due to the storm’s impact, especially in Northern Ireland and north-west Scotland. British Weather Services’ senior meteorologist, Jim Dale, emphasized the seriousness of the situation, highlighting the potential for gusts exceeding 90mph in exposed areas.
The Met Office has issued three amber weather warnings for wind, indicating a risk to life, spanning from Northern Ireland to northern Scotland from Friday afternoon into Saturday. This weather event has been described as a “weather bomb” due to the significant cyclogenesis occurring within Storm Amy’s core.
