New weather maps indicate a 'Beast from the East' is set to hit 24 UK counties in the new year, bringing snow and freezing temperatures. The phenomenon, dubbed 'Too Beast Too East', consists of a 600-mile wall of snow and cold air moving west from continental Europe across the North Sea.
According to WXCharts maps generated on December 21, the snow is expected to arrive on New Year's Day, primarily affecting northern and eastern parts of the country, with potential to push into central areas. Temperatures could drop to -5°C in Scotland and Newcastle, while Birmingham, London, and southern England may see -2°C.
Snow depths are predicted to average 2-6cm, with some areas in northern England and Scotland possibly reaching 8-14cm. Stoke-on-Trent, Devon, Cornwall, the southwest coast of Wales, and the Northern Irish coast are expected to be the warmest places at noon on January 1.
The Met Office forecast for December 25 to January 3 states: 'Continued mostly settled conditions expected, as high pressure builds to the north of the UK. This will bring a strengthening easterly then northeasterly wind over the period, with wind-chill making it feel colder.' It adds that showers, possibly wintry over high ground, will affect eastern and southern parts.
The forecaster notes that high pressure will likely dominate into the new year, maintaining largely settled conditions but with an increasing chance of showers. Temperatures will be below average, with frost likely where clear skies and light winds prevail.
