The United Kingdom is preparing for another severe bout of winter weather, with forecasters warning of a powerful Arctic blast set to sweep across the nation. New weather maps indicate that heavy snow, potentially exceeding 60 centimetres in some regions, will blanket the country by Saturday, accompanied by dangerously low temperatures dipping as far as -14°C.
Arctic Air Collides with Atlantic Systems
The country is currently gripped by an icy spell, with numerous weather warnings for ice and snow active across the UK. The situation is expected to intensify significantly later this week. The catalyst will be a plunge of frigid Arctic air moving southwards, which will clash with moist low-pressure systems arriving from the Atlantic.
This collision is predicted to unleash widespread and heavy snowfall. The coldest temperature recorded so far was -10.9°C in Shap, Cumbria, on Sunday night, but the mercury is forecast to drop even further in the coming days.
Timeline of the Wintry Onslaught
According to WXCharts, the disruptive weather will begin on Thursday evening. A low-pressure system is projected to be centred just off the southwest coast of England at 9pm, bringing heavy rain to the south and snow flurries to northern England.
Overnight into Friday, this system is expected to move inland over southern England. As it encounters the entrenched cold air, rain will turn to snow, bringing significant accumulations to parts of the south. A broad band of snow, potentially more than 20cm deep, is forecast across southern England throughout Friday.
The most extreme snow totals are anticipated in central Scotland, where more than 60cm could accumulate. Maps for 3pm on Friday show heavy snow continuing to fall, especially across Scotland.
Bitter Cold and Continued Blizzards into Saturday
The severe conditions are set to persist into Saturday, with blizzards continuing in many areas. The cold will remain biting, with extreme lows concentrated in the north. A temperature chart for midday on Saturday shows values as low as -14°C in Scotland and -9°C in northern England. Even in the south, temperatures will struggle to rise much above 1°C.
The Met Office has emphasised the ongoing risks. Chief Meteorologist Matthew Lehnert stated: “The UK will continue to experience a range of winter weather hazards through this week, with low temperatures as well as snow showers and the risk of ice for many. A number of severe weather warnings have been issued and these are likely to be updated through the week so do keep up to date with the forecast.”
Deputy Chief Meteorologist Mike Silverstone highlighted remaining uncertainties, particularly regarding the precise track of the low pressure. “The most likely scenario at this stage is for low pressure to track near the south coast. Near and south of the low, heavy rain and strong winds are more likely, whilst snow could accumulate to the north as it encounters cold air,” he explained. The exact positioning will determine whether specific areas face heavy snow or rain and gales.
The national weather agency has also warned that strong winds accompanying the precipitation may exacerbate the hazardous conditions, leading to potential travel disruption, power cuts, and risks to public safety. Residents across the UK, including major cities like London, are advised to monitor forecasts closely and prepare for severe winter weather.
