The Met Office has issued a detailed weather forecast indicating where snow could unexpectedly fall across the United Kingdom this Friday, as temperatures are predicted to plummet dramatically. This comes as a stark contrast to last week, which recorded the hottest day of the year so far, with London temperatures soaring above 19°C.
Chilly Shift After Warm Start
This week has begun on a more miserable note, with cloudy conditions and rain moving from west to east. Tomorrow is expected to remain cloudy for most regions, with further showers anticipated in western areas during the evening. However, the real change arrives on Friday, when a significant drop in temperatures is forecasted.
Snow Not Just for Northern Hills
Snow is a distinct possibility on Friday, and it might not be confined solely to the hills in northern regions. Jason Kelly, Chief Operational Meteorologist for the Met Office, explained the shift: "A notable change in wind direction to a north-westerly flow will bring a markedly colder day nationwide on Friday, with the potential for a mixture of sunny spells, heavy showers, coastal gales, and snow over high ground."
He added that there is also the possibility of accumulations on lower hills, urging the public to stay updated as the forecast becomes clearer closer to the time.
Changeable Conditions Ahead
Looking further ahead, from March 13 to March 22, the Met Office predicts "changeable" conditions as Atlantic weather systems move across the UK. Occasional spells of rain or showers are expected, particularly in the west and north-west, with some drier interludes likely under transient ridges of high pressure, mostly in the south and east.
Temperatures during this period should be near-average overall, but with some shorter-duration colder interludes where frost and hill snow remain possible. The forecast notes that later in the period, there may be a transition to more blocked or slower evolving weather patterns, though confidence in this detail is currently low.
BBC Weather Echoes Cold Outlook
BBC Weather supports this outlook for March 16 to 22, stating that it will probably be a little bit cooler overall, with day-to-day temperatures varying as weather systems arrive from the Atlantic. These systems will bring spells of showery weather, and there is still a chance of wintry showers over higher ground in the north of the UK.
This forecast highlights the unpredictable nature of early spring weather in the UK, with residents advised to prepare for potential snow and colder conditions as the week progresses.
