Britain is bracing itself for a dramatic plunge into freezing conditions this week as new meteorological maps predict a devastating 450-mile 'snow bomb' is set to strike. The country is about to be gripped by a severe Arctic blast, threatening to deliver the coldest night of the year so far and significant travel disruption.
The startling weather models, produced by WX Charts, show a vast corridor of snow stretching from the northernmost reaches of Scotland all the way down to the south coast of England. The freezing onslaught is predicted to make landfall on Thursday, February 15th, with the potential for accumulations of up to two centimetres per hour in the worst-affected areas.
Timeline of the Big Freeze
The cold front is expected to arrive in force on Wednesday night, with temperatures plummeting across the country. The mercury is forecast to dip to a bone-chilling -9°C in parts of rural Scotland, and a widespread frost is expected nationwide.
By Thursday morning, the main event begins. The snow is projected to start falling heavily across Scotland and Northern Ireland before advancing southwards throughout the day. Central and northern England, including areas around the Pennines, are expected to bear the brunt of the heavy snowfall.
Regional Impacts and Travel Warnings
Meteorologists are warning of potentially hazardous travel conditions, particularly on higher ground. Icy roads and reduced visibility from blowing snow could lead to severe delays on the road network and possible disruptions to rail and air travel.
While the south of England may see more of a wintry mix of rain and sleet, there is a strong chance this could turn to snow, especially over high ground like Dartmoor and the South Downs. The Met Office is likely to issue official weather warnings as the event draws closer.
This early-week cold snap serves as a stark reminder that winter is not yet over. The public is advised to stay updated on the latest forecasts and to prepare for the possibility of severe wintry weather.
