The United Kingdom is bracing for a significant wintry onslaught this week, with forecast maps predicting not only further snowfall but also the arrival of two exceptionally rare and hazardous weather phenomena.
Dual Weather Threats Identified
According to the latest GFS weather model data, parts of the UK are set to experience freezing rain and ice pellets on Monday. The primary area of concern encompasses central, western, and southern Scotland, with a possibility of northern England also being affected by the freezing rain. This dangerous phenomenon is visually marked in orange on specialist weather charts.
Simultaneously, the maps indicate that a sliver of Scotland to the west of Glasgow could be impacted by ice pellets during Monday afternoon, an event marked in green. These developments come alongside predictions for snow settling across Scotland and elevated ground in northern England, shown in purple on the maps.
Understanding the Rare Phenomena
What are ice pellets? The Met Office describes these as a form of solid precipitation with a diameter of less than 5mm. They occur when snowflakes begin to melt as they descend from clouds, only to refreeze into grain-like particles while passing through a layer of sub-freezing air closer to the ground. Unlike hail, they are typically spherical or irregular and tend to bounce upon impact with surfaces, occurring most often in brief winter showers from tall cumulus clouds.
Why is freezing rain so dangerous? This rare liquid precipitation freezes instantly upon contact with any cold surface, creating a clear, glazing layer of ice. The Met Office explains the process: precipitation falls as snow, melts into rain droplets in a warmer air layer, and then becomes 'supercooled' as it passes through a final cold layer before hitting the ground. These supercooled droplets remain liquid despite being below zero, freezing only on impact.
The Royal Meteorological Society has issued warnings about the extreme danger of freezing rain, as it can produce a nearly invisible layer of ice on roads, pavements, and other surfaces, leading to profoundly hazardous travel conditions.
Broader UK Forecast and Outlook
For the remainder of the country, the Met Office anticipates changeable conditions throughout the week, featuring showers or longer spells of rain. While temperatures may start on a milder note, a marked turn towards colder weather is expected by the week's end.
Looking further ahead to the first week of December, the national weather service forecasts changeable and unsettled conditions to persist across the UK. The western parts of the country are likely to see the most rain, while any significant snow is expected to be confined primarily to northern regions.
