Snow Forecast to Reach Southern England This Week
New weather maps from the Met Office indicate that snowfall could extend as far south as Devon and Cornwall within just days, marking a significant shift from recent milder spring conditions. Forecasters predict temperatures will plunge across the UK, with snow appearing in numerous regions by March 13.
Detailed Snowfall Predictions and Timing
According to the Met Office, certain parts of the country may experience up to 4mm of snowfall per hour, particularly in Scotland where the white stuff is expected to be heaviest. In the early hours, downpours will hit most of England and Wales, with only a few areas continuing to see showers after 6am.
As the day progresses, snow will start to appear more widely across the UK. Maps show Scotland, parts of Derbyshire, and Yorkshire falling under a blanket of snowfall mixed with downpours. By early evening, the snow is forecast to push further south, reaching Devon, Cornwall, Wiltshire, and parts of the Midlands, including Lincolnshire.
Cold Snap and Weather Warnings
The Met Office has warned that Friday will start "sharply cold" with strong winds persisting into Saturday. With temperatures struggling in the single figures—below the seasonal average—icy patches could develop through Friday morning and again into Saturday. The south and east may fare slightly better with drier conditions, although it will still feel chilly widely.
This chilly snap comes as Brits have enjoyed a pleasant rise in temperatures moving into spring, following weeks of downpour blight across the country. The sudden shift highlights the changeable nature of UK weather patterns as we transition between seasons.
Long-Range Forecast and Easter Outlook
Looking ahead, the Met Office predicts more changeable weather throughout the coming weeks. The long-range forecast between March 16 and March 25 indicates spells of rain and showers, most frequent and heavy in the west or northwest, possibly accompanied by strong winds. However, there should also be some drier interludes under transient ridges of high pressure, with longer dry periods most likely in the south and east.
Temperatures are expected to be near average for the period as a whole, but with some shorter-duration colder interludes at times when frost and hill snow will occur. Forecasters predict into the Easter period that temperatures will be close to average, though there is a chance of some colder conditions developing for a time with a risk of frost.
Extended Outlook into Early April
From March 26 to April 9, the forecaster says blocked or slowly evolving weather patterns are favoured, with high pressure probably building to the north or northeast of the UK. While confidence is low in how this will influence the weather across the UK, this tends to lead to a more prolonged period of a certain weather type, be it settled or unsettled.
A reduction in Atlantic-dominated weather patterns is likely, although some wet weather remains possible at times, perhaps more especially in the south and east whilst northwestern areas tend to be drier than average. Temperatures will probably be close to average for the period as a whole, but there is an increased chance of some colder conditions developing for a time with a risk of frost.
