Snow Maps Reveal Exact Date 500-Mile 'Beast from the East' Will Strike Major Cities
Despite parts of England predicted to be hotter than Greece on Wednesday, advanced meteorological maps indicate this warmth will be fleeting. The data pinpoints where and when the formidable 'Beast from the East' will unleash its wintry grip across the United Kingdom.
Winter's Late Fury Targets Spring
While meteorological winter concludes later this week and spring officially begins on March 20, a significant cold snap is poised to disrupt the seasonal transition. Millions enjoyed returning sunshine recently, but conditions are set to deteriorate rapidly with the arrival of a major snow event.
Sophisticated forecasting models from WXCharts predict an impending blizzard, bringing substantial snowfall to numerous regions and several major urban centres. Temperatures are forecast to plummet to a bone-chilling -13C, signalling that freezing conditions are imminent.
Detailed Timeline of the Snow Onslaught
The weather models are turning decidedly icy, with purple patches on the map for Saturday, March 7, highlighting areas directly in the firing line. The system is expected to initiate to the east of the UK, over the North Sea and continental Europe, before advancing westward to blanket the country.
From 9am on March 7: The initial threat of snow emerges south of London and in the north-east, including Newcastle. Dublin in Ireland is also warned, while parts of London and the south-east may experience heavy rainfall initially, which is predicted to clear swiftly.
By midday: The snow begins its southward trajectory, with almost the entire north-west of England, including Manchester, in its path. The West Midlands and sections of the West Country will also be impacted, though accumulations are not expected to exceed 1cm at this early stage.
By 9pm: Snowfall intensifies significantly in the north-west, becoming heaviest around Manchester and Stoke-on-Trent. It persists in parts of the North East and Yorkshire, while the east coast, stretching down to Norwich, also begins to see accumulation.
By midnight on Saturday: The blizzard reaches parts of London, with the most intense activity concentrated in the West and East Midlands. Many residents could awaken to a fresh blanket of snow by morning.
The Beast Intensifies on Sunday
The maps for 6am on Sunday, March 8, depict the so-called Beast from the East growing more fearsome. Snow is forecast to stretch for hundreds of miles, creating a 500-mile swathe from Scotland down to the south coast of England. Heavy snow is expected to fall persistently across much of England and Wales throughout the day.
Official Forecasts and Broader Outlook
The BBC forecast for March 2 to 15 notes lower-than-usual confidence but suggests signs of high pressure building near the UK, potentially leading to drier conditions with near or below-average precipitation. However, the position of this high-pressure system will critically influence both precipitation and wind patterns.
It is most likely to linger near the UK through the first week of March, bringing relatively dry conditions alongside risks of frost and fog. Daytime temperatures should be near seasonal averages for most areas, potentially above average, though chillier conditions are possible across Scotland.
The forecast adds a cautionary note: "There is a small chance that high pressure could develop at higher latitudes, which would bring a risk of a colder week, though strong cold anomalies would not be expected. Wintry showers would then become more likely."
The Met Office anticipates the heaviest rainfall at the start of March will occur in the north-west. They state: "Winds will probably be strong at times, with a risk of gales. Temperatures are likely to be near to or slightly above average." The outlook also suggests "changeable conditions" for most places, interspersed with some "drier and brighter interludes."
Residents across the UK are advised to prepare for a significant return to wintry weather, with the Beast from the East set to deliver a potent reminder that spring's arrival can often be delayed by winter's final, powerful surge.
