The Met Office has forecast that snow could fall in the UK this week as fog and frost give way to snow showers. The first snowfall of the winter could arrive across parts of the UK as early as Wednesday, with further cold weather expected on Thursday and Friday.
Yellow Weather Warning for Fog
A yellow weather warning for fog is in place for Monday and into Tuesday for England, with conditions potentially turning to snow showers by Wednesday. This follows warnings from Met Office weather experts that the Polar Vortex could be disrupted within weeks, sending a blast of icy cold air across the UK and bringing risks of ice, fog, frost, and snow as conditions turn colder.
Met Office Chief Meteorologist Jason Kelly said: "Snow showers could briefly fall on lower ground in northern Scotland and the Northern Isles, mainly Shetland, overnight on Wednesday and into Thursday. However, snow may only settle on higher ground and this is relatively normal for the time of year."
Forecast Details for the Week
The Met Office stated in its latest forecast issued on Monday: "During Tuesday, cloud and outbreaks of rain will spread north across much of England and Wales, with some heavier bursts possible in the southwest later. Elsewhere, many places will remain dry with sunny spells, although fog and low cloud could be slow to clear. Temperatures will generally be near or a little below average."
It added: "Tuesday night will remain cloudy across southern areas with further outbreaks of rain, heavy at times in the southwest. Elsewhere, clearer conditions will allow frost to develop across many northern areas, alongside some patches of fog. By Wednesday, colder conditions will begin to move into the north. Rain will continue across parts of southern England and Wales, while showers move south across Scotland, becoming wintry at times in the far north and northeast. Strong winds are also expected in the far North East."
Colder Air Spreading South
The forecaster warned that these colder conditions could subsequently push further southward into England. It comes after UK households were urged to stock up on six food items ahead of the big freeze.
The Met Office added: "Through Thursday and Friday, colder air will spread further south across the UK. Most places will become dry with some clear or sunny spells, although showers remain possible in the north and parts of the east, some of these wintry over high ground in Scotland. Temperatures are expected to fall below average widely by Thursday and particularly Friday, as frost becomes more widespread. The far North East will also feel particularly cold in stronger winds."
