Weather forecasting maps have revealed that snow may fall in as many as 26 counties across the United Kingdom at the start of May, despite the possibility of temperatures reaching 26C earlier in the week. The ECMWF weather model indicates that flurries will begin forming in northern parts of Scotland on May 6 before slowly moving southward, impacting large areas of Scotland as well as parts of England and Northern Ireland.
Snowfall Timeline
By 6pm on May 6, the maps show heavy snow descending over mountains in Scotland, with some flurries also affecting low-lying areas in the central region. By midnight, some snow could fall in western parts of Northern Ireland. The maps further show snow falling in southern Scotland at around 6am on May 7. By midday, purple patches indicating snowfall are visible in the far north of England.
Accumulation Predictions
Data suggests that as much as 15cm of snow could settle over high ground in the north-east of Scotland. However, snow will struggle to accumulate in low-lying areas. The ECMWF model suggests a total of 26 counties in England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland could experience some snow over the two days.
Counties Affected
Scotland
- Sutherland
- Caithness
- Ross-shire and Cromartyshire
- Inverness-shire
- Nainshire
- Morayshire
- Banffshire
- Aberdeenshire
- Kincardineshire
- Angus
- Perthshire
- Fife
- Kinross-shire
- Clackmannanshire
- West Lothian
- Midlothian
- East Lothian
- Peeblesshire
- Berwickshire
- Selkirkshire
- Roxburghshire
England
- Northumberland
- Cumbria
- County Durham
Northern Ireland
- County Tyrone
- County Londonderry
Contrast with Warmer Weather
The snow forecast comes as the Met Office has stated that temperatures could reach 26C in parts of southern England on Friday, though there is also a risk of thundery bursts in some areas. The Met Office said: "Later Thursday into Friday, conditions become more unsettled. Rain and showers are expected to spread from the south and west, with the potential for some heavy and thundery bursts. Where sunshine persists ahead of this, it will feel warm and humid, especially in southern and central parts of England."
Bank Holiday Weekend Outlook
More "changeable" conditions are expected as the Bank Holiday weekend approaches. Met Office Deputy Chief Forecaster Tom Crabtree commented: "By Friday, conditions are expected to become more unsettled, with rain and showers spreading in from the southwest, some of which could be heavy and possibly thundery. Ahead of this, it will feel warm and humid in parts of England on Friday. Into the Bank Holiday weekend, the weather looks more changeable, with showers at times – particularly in the north – but also some sunnier intervals."
