The UK is preparing for a prolonged and significant snow event as new weather maps forecast a 21-hour snow storm set to sweep across the country. The wintry conditions are predicted to begin in the north before moving southwards, bringing disruption and potential travel chaos.
Timeline of the Arctic Onslaught
According to detailed charts from WXCharts, the first snowflakes are set to fall in northern Scotland on the morning of Monday, December 15. The system will then gradually push south throughout the day. By 9am on December 15, the heaviest snowfall is expected to be concentrated over southern Scotland's Galloway Forest Park, as well as the Lake District and the Pennines in England. A lighter dusting is also anticipated in parts of Northern Ireland at this time.
The snow will continue its march southwards, with North Wales and Snowdonia predicted to be blanketed by heavy snow by 3pm on the same day. Areas that manage to avoid the snow are likely to see persistent rain instead, with central and northern England facing potential downpours throughout the day.
Significant Accumulations Expected
After the full 21-hour period of snowfall, weather maps for 9pm on December 15 reveal where the deepest accumulations will settle. Forecasts suggest several inches of snow will cover the ground in North Wales, Northern Ireland, and northern parts of England, including West and North Yorkshire. Nearly all of Scotland is also expected to see a significant covering.
This specific forecast aligns with a broader outlook from the Met Office. Their long-range prediction for the period of December 16 to 30 indicates a greater chance of high pressure, which could bring drier weather but also increases the risk of overnight frost and fog. However, they note that spells of rain, showers, and stronger winds are still probable, especially in western regions, with hill snow remaining a possibility, mainly in the north.
White Christmas Bets Snowball
The approaching cold snap has prompted bookmakers to slash their odds on a White Christmas this year. Coral's John Hill noted a "snowball of bets" for snow to fall somewhere in the UK on December 25. An official White Christmas is declared when a single snowflake is observed falling at any UK weather station on Christmas Day.
The last time this officially occurred was in 2023. However, the last widespread and significant Christmas snowfall across the majority of the country was in 2010, when 83% of weather stations reported snow on the ground.
Residents across Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales, and northern England are advised to monitor the latest weather warnings and travel updates as the December 15 forecast develops.
