New snow forecast models indicate that millions of UK residents will encounter blizzards leading up to the festive season as a cold front from the Arctic hits the region. Anticipated icy conditions and widespread snowfall are on the horizon as a recent mild spell gives way to colder temperatures. Charts from WX Charts have taken on a frosty purple hue, suggesting an imminent snowfall. The wintry weather is expected to begin affecting parts of the country starting on Friday, December 19.
The forecast predicts snowfall to commence around 3 am on that day, with regions like Cheshire and the Scottish Highlands being the first to experience it. Subsequently, temperatures are projected to drop rapidly, affecting more areas. While some regions may not see snow, they are likely to experience showers instead.
By 6 am, parts of Scotland and northern England, including Manchester and Stoke, are expected to receive around 0.5mm of snow, while areas from Birmingham to London are likely to experience rain. The city of Bristol is also expected to have wet conditions during this period.
Moving forward to 9 am, snow showers are predicted to move towards the west coast, targeting locations like Blackpool, Yorkshire, and areas north of Glasgow. The Arctic blast is also forecasted to impact Gwynedd in north-west Wales and the Vale of Glamorgan in south-east Wales. Meanwhile, rain is expected to reach Birmingham, Merseyside, and the east coast of England by that time.
By 3 pm the same day, the snow is expected to persist in the northern parts of England, most of Wales, and the north of Scotland. The possibility of snow accumulation remains uncertain, as weather maps suggest a significant amount of rain will also fall concurrently.
Subsequent maps from WX Charts indicate that snowfall will extend as far south as Devon in southwest England on December 20, potentially causing travel disruptions. Following this snowy spell, temperatures are set to rise above average for the season.
According to the Met Office’s weather outlook for the upcoming period, a pattern similar to early December is expected, with frontal systems from the Atlantic bringing wet weather across the UK, interspersed with some drier intervals.
Despite the recent high winds and downpours, temperatures have been higher than average this week. On Monday, temperatures exceeded 14°C in Teddington, southwest London, as well as in Chelmsford, Essex, and remained mild even during Storm Bram on Tuesday.
Looking ahead to Saturday, December 13, to Monday, December 22, the Met Office warns of a potential slight decrease in temperatures, particularly in northern parts of the UK, with a higher likelihood of wintry conditions at times.
Chances for a white Christmas were initially at 5/4 on Thursday, with Aberdeen being the most probable location to experience significant snowfall. However, the odds have since shifted to 7/4 for most of Scotland and as wide as 8/1 for parts of England, including sections of London.
