The UK is on high alert as a severe Arctic freeze is set to plunge temperatures towards a bone-chilling -9C, with snow predicted to fall as far south as Plymouth in a dramatic early winter onslaught.
Widespread Snow and Plummeting Temperatures
New weather maps from WXCharts, which utilises MetDesk data, reveal a bitter descent in temperatures set to grip the nation. The week began with a noticeable chill, with mercury dropping to 1C on Monday and -1C by Tuesday morning, signalling a sharp end to the previously mild November weather.
The most extreme conditions are expected from Thursday, November 20, when a significant snowy system is forecast to develop in Scotland. The majority of the snow will concentrate north of the border, with areas like the Highlands potentially receiving around 5cm of snowfall per hour from 6pm. Only Glasgow and some southern neighbouring communities appear likely to escape the heaviest accumulations.
Snow's Southerly Journey and Biting Cold
The snowfall developing on the UK's west coast is projected to move southwards, impacting communities across the Midlands, including Lancaster and the Yorkshire Dales. Parts of Wales, particularly the north around Snowdonia and the Pembrokeshire coast, are also likely to see some snow, although it is expected to be light and unlikely to settle.
Remarkably, the maps suggest that some limited snow, mixed with rain, could eventually reach Plymouth in Devon – a location more than 570 miles south of the originating system in Scotland.
Accompanying the snow will be dangerously low temperatures. The uninhabited high ground of the Cairngorms National Park is expected to bear the brunt, with temperatures settling between -8C and -9C. The rest of the country will not be spared, with the north seeing lows of -6C to -5C, and the south experiencing 0C to -1C.
Extended Period of Wintry Weather Ahead
According to the Met Office's long-range forecast, the unpredictable and freezing conditions are set to continue beyond November 20. The forecast for the period from November 23 indicates a continued risk of wintry showers.
The Met Office states: "Atlantic weather fronts will continue to spread east bringing spells of rain or showers, potentially quite widely. Over subsequent days showery conditions will likely continue but there will be some brighter spells at times. There is also a chance of Atlantic frontal systems moving in from the west at times and temporary periods of northerly flow that may lead to some wintry showers."
Temperatures are expected to remain "a little below normal" with this westerly-dominated pattern likely persisting until the end of November, bringing further outbreaks of rain, showers, and strong winds at times.
