The UK could see its first widespread snow of the winter next week as a 200-mile band of snow is forecast to move across the country, covering 30 counties.
Temperatures are currently freezing across the UK, with cold weather warnings in place. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a yellow cold health alert for the North West and West Midlands, in effect from 9am on Thursday until noon on Saturday.
Snow forecast to spread across the UK
According to the Met Office, temperatures will remain chilly over the weekend, with snow showers possible at the start of next week. The forecaster's latest weather maps show snow could fall across 30 counties overnight on Monday and into Tuesday morning.
The maps depict a 200-mile band of snow moving in from the southwest on Monday evening, covering large parts of Wales. By around 9pm, the snow is expected to have moved into the Midlands, Merseyside, Derbyshire, Cheshire, Greater Manchester, Yorkshire and Lancashire.
Snow moving north through the night
Throughout the night, the band of snow will continue moving north through North Yorkshire, County Durham, Cumbria, Northumberland, and into southern Scotland.
Looking at the medium range forecast from Sunday, Met Office Deputy Chief Forecaster Steven Keates said: "The outlook is changeable with spells of rain, sleet and some hill snow. On Sunday, low pressure will bring rain or showers to many areas. Precipitation will be most persistent across northern Scotland, where there is an increasing chance of snow developing later in the day. This will mainly fall over high ground, where accumulations are likely, but some snow could fall to lower levels too. Ice may also become a hazard."
The Met Office forecast to Tuesday says there will be unsettled spells of rain or showers on Monday, with rain in the south on Tuesday and some hill snow possible.
Cold health alert issued
The UKHSA said the colder weather can lead to the increased use of healthcare services and greater risk to life for vulnerable people. Dr Anya Gopfert, consultant in public health at UKHSA, said: "This is the first cold-health alert of the winter, but we can expect more as we move further into the season. Cold weather can have a serious impact on the health of some people, including those aged 65 and over and those with pre-existing health conditions, so it is vital to check in on friends, family and neighbours who are most vulnerable."
Dr Gopfert said heating homes and dressing warmly can help people stay safe during the cold weather.
