Britain is bracing for a potential prolonged spell of heavy snowfall, with new weather data indicating a 60-hour blizzard could strike parts of the country in mid-December. The dramatic wintry conditions are forecast to commence on Wednesday, December 17, just days before the Christmas holiday period.
Snow Maps Predict Widespread Disruption
According to detailed projections from WX Charts, which utilises MetDesk data, the first flurries are expected to arrive on the morning of December 17. The initial snowfall is predicted to cover areas of Western Scotland, stretching down into North West England.
The system is then forecast to intensify and spread overnight into Thursday, December 18. During this phase, significant accumulations could blanket much of Northern England, including counties like Lancashire and Yorkshire. The snow is also projected to push into central Wales and potentially as far south as Devon.
A Prolonged Freeze into the Weekend
The wintry weather is not expected to be short-lived. Forecast models suggest the snow will continue into Friday, December 19, particularly affecting parts of Scotland and North Yorkshire. This timeline indicates a continuous period of disruptive snowfall lasting around two and a half days for some regions.
If the predictions hold true, many Britons could wake up to a widespread blanket of snow just a week before Christmas, raising immediate questions about travel safety and the potential for a classic White Christmas.
Met Office Forecast Presents a Milder Outlook
In contrast to the dramatic snow maps, the Met Office's official long-range forecast for December 11-20 paints a somewhat different picture. The national weather service anticipates unsettled conditions dominated by Atlantic weather systems.
The Met Office stated: "A continuation of a similar pattern... is anticipated, especially at first, as frontal systems from the Atlantic spread into and across the UK." They predict spells of rain and strong winds, with a risk of impacts due to already saturated ground.
However, the forecast does leave the door open for colder conditions later in the period, noting: "...there may be a transition for temperatures to return closer to average, with a slightly higher chance of some wintry hazards across northern parts of the UK, especially on high ground."
Will It Be a White Christmas?
The prospect of mid-December snow naturally turns attention to December 25. The Met Office defines a White Christmas as a single snowflake falling anywhere in the UK during the 24 hours of Christmas Day.
In its latest outlook covering December 21 to January 4, the Met Office predicts "changeable conditions" with low-pressure systems likely to bring showers or longer spells of rain. The forecast suggests any snow would be confined to hillier regions in the north. While a nationwide whiteout is not currently on the cards, the volatile weather patterns mean the situation remains fluid.
