The UK is bracing for a potential 'Beast from the East' weather system later this month, with weather maps indicating snow could hit several major cities and temperatures could drop to -4C. The ECMWF weather model suggests Bristol, Manchester, Newcastle, and possibly London could see snowfall around March 26, as cold air moves in from Europe.
According to the maps, snow is expected to form over Europe and the North Sea on March 26 before drifting westward and falling across the UK. By midday, snow is forecast from northern Scotland down to southern England. The flurries are likely to continue into March 27, with a band of snow stretching across England from Bristol to East Anglia by 6am. In areas of most intense snowfall, rates could reach around four inches per hour.
On March 28, the maps show a band of snow along eastern parts of the UK, from Kent to Aberdeen. Subzero temperatures are also expected, with the mercury potentially falling to -4C in Scotland, -2C in northern England, and -1C in Northern Ireland, Wales, and southeast England.
The Met Office has warned that colder conditions could develop towards the end of March and into early April, with a risk of frost. Their forecast for March 29 to April 12 states: 'Blocked, or slowly evolving, weather patterns are favoured for late March into early April, with high pressure probably building to the north or northeast of the UK.' They added that temperatures will likely be close to average overall, but there is an increased chance of colder conditions for a time.
