Britain is preparing for its first significant wintry conditions of the season as fresh weather projections indicate substantial snowfall could blanket parts of the country later this month. An approaching Arctic blast is expected to replace recent mild autumn weather with freezing temperatures, snow and potentially hazardous ice.
When and Where the Snow Will Strike
According to detailed analysis from weather visualisation site WXCharts, compiled on November 8, the most severe conditions are predicted for Saturday, November 22. The early hours could see up to 20cm of snow accumulating in specific regions, with depths increasing further by midday across northern England, Wales, areas near the Irish border and Scotland.
Remarkably, the Scottish Highlands are forecast to experience the heaviest snowfall, with areas west of Inverness potentially seeing accumulation rates of 20cm per hour. By midday on November 22, some Highland regions could be buried under a staggering 30-40cm of snow, while Inverness might see slightly less at around 16cm.
Regional Impacts and Freezing Rain Threat
The wintry conditions won't be confined to Scotland alone. Weather maps suggest north Wales, particularly Snowdonia, and parts of Northern Ireland near the Republic of Ireland border could wake up to snow-covered landscapes by midnight on November 22.
Edinburgh may experience up to 5cm of snow, reducing to just 1cm closer to the English border. Meanwhile, Manchester and southern areas could see 1-2cm before heavier rainfall arrives.
A particularly dangerous element of this weather system is the prediction of freezing rain (FrzR) across substantial portions of Scotland. This phenomenon occurs when precipitation falls as liquid but instantly turns to ice upon contact with surfaces below 0°C, creating treacherous icy layers on roads and pathways.
Contrasting Forecasts and Earlier Cold Snap
Interestingly, the Met Office's long-range forecast for November 22 through December 6 presents a more cautious outlook. Their prediction for this period suggests a greater chance of high pressure bringing drier conditions, with overnight fog and frost being more likely than widespread low-ground snow.
The national weather service acknowledges that hill snow remains possible, mainly in northern regions, but their overall assessment points toward near or slightly above average temperatures for the period.
Earlier in the week, on Thursday, November 19, WXCharts maps indicate another cold snap could affect the West Country, including Dorset, Devon and Cornwall. These regions might experience temperatures plummeting to maximums of 5°C, with several centimetres of snow possible.
As Britain approaches winter, these conflicting forecasts highlight the challenges of long-range weather prediction, particularly when small Atlantic weather systems can significantly influence conditions across the UK.
