Snow could arrive in parts of the UK on November 17, with the Met Office warning of a possible 'arctic blast' as the polar vortex breaks. Weather maps show initial flurries may begin in the early morning, aligning with forecasters' expectations of 'wintry showers' as the mid-point of the month approaches.
Snowfall to Start in Northern Ireland and Scotland
According to the ECMWF model, snowfall is likely to begin in Northern Ireland and western Scotland. The weather system will then track south across Wales and England, with 6am maps for November 17 showing snow extending as far south as Devon.
By midday, forecasting charts indicate that wintry weather will concentrate mainly over high elevation areas including the Pennines and Lake District. The snowfall is expected to be short-lived through the afternoon hours, with snow only settling over Scottish hills.
Counties Affected and Forecast Details
Weather maps indicate that up to 34 UK counties could see snowfall on November 17. Affected areas include Cumbria, Northumberland, Yorkshire, Lancashire, Herefordshire, Somerset, Devon, and Cornwall in England; Sutherland, Ross-shire and Cromartyshire, Inverness-shire, Argyllshire, Perthshire, Nairnshire, Banffshire, Morayshire, Aberdeenshire, Angus, Stirlingshire, Dunbarton, Lanarkshire, West Lothian, Midlothian, East Lothian, Peeblesshire, Selkirkshire, Dumfriesshire, and Berwickshire in Scotland; Merioneth, Montgomeryshire, Radnorshire, Ceredigion, and Brecknockshire in Wales; and Tyrone in Northern Ireland.
In its forecast for November 11 to November 20, the Met Office says 'wintry showers are likely' in northern areas, although 'fine and dry' conditions could develop elsewhere. 'A change to more changeable weather is likely' later in the month, the Met Office adds, as Atlantic frontal systems will bring 'rain and some strong winds'. Temperatures are expected to be cold at the start of the period, but will 'probably be above average overall'.
Outlook for Late November and Early December
The Met Office forecast for November 21 to December 5 says: 'Changeable or unsettled conditions are expected through the last part of November. Atlantic frontal systems are likely to spread across the UK, bringing some heavy rain at times and a chance of strong winds.'
'Drier, brighter interludes are likely between systems, and it is possible conditions could become drier overall into early December. Temperatures are likely to be above normal overall.'
