Britain is bracing for a severe Arctic blast set to sweep across the country in early January, with new weather maps predicting heavy snowfall and temperatures plummeting to a bitter -8C.
Snow Maps Pinpoint The Worst-Hit Regions
The latest data from WXCharts, using Met Desk information, indicates that Wednesday, January 7, will be the focal point of the wintry onslaught. Charts created on December 26 show snow covering most of Scotland and England by this date, with only parts of the West Midlands and South West potentially escaping the worst.
A specific snow depth chart for 6pm on January 7 highlights two regions set for significant accumulation. It forecasts that up to 5.1 inches (13cm) of snow could settle in parts of Scotland and the South East of England. Cities as far south as Brighton could see flakes falling.
Sub-Zero Temperatures To Grip The Nation
Accompanying the snow will be a piercing cold snap. Temperature maps reveal that Scotland will bear the brunt of the freeze, with lows expected to dive between -6C and -8C. In England, conditions will be cold but slightly less extreme.
The forecast suggests temperatures will range from 0C to -3C in areas between the North West and Yorkshire and the Humber. The south-east may see readings between 1C and -1C. In contrast, Wales, Northern Ireland and the South West are predicted to remain snow-free with milder temperatures of 0C to 10C.
Met Office Urges Caution Over Forecasts
While the weather maps present a dramatic picture, the Met Office offers a more measured outlook in its extended forecast for the period covering December 31 to January 9. The national weather service states that high pressure over the North Atlantic and low pressure to the east will lead to slowly evolving patterns.
The Met Office notes: "With cold air close to the UK, some wintry hazards are possible in places." It adds that into January, colder and drier than average conditions are most probable, but periods of rain, showers, and windier spells are still expected. The service has previously explained that predicting UK snowfall is particularly challenging due to the nation's rapidly shifting weather systems.
Residents across central and northern England and Scotland are advised to stay updated with the latest local forecasts as the potential for disruptive snow and ice increases in the first week of the new year.
