Snow is forecast to hit 11 UK counties next week, with accumulations of up to 4cm in some areas. The GFS model, used by WX Charts and based on Met Desk data, indicates snow is expected around October 16.
Forecast details and affected counties
Maps and charts show up to 4cm of snow at times, with 2cm being more common and accumulations increasing in some isolated areas. The majority of the snowfall is anticipated to occur north of the border, in Scotland, with the heaviest snow expected on higher ground such as the peaks of Scotland.
UK counties set to face snow in October include Sutherland, Ross-shire, Cromartyshire, Inverness-shire, Nairnshire, Banffshire, Aberdeenshire, Angus, Perthshire, and Argyllshire. The list of 11 counties concludes with Dunbarton and Stirlingshire.
Met Office and BBC Weather response
Responding to forecasts from rival meteorologists, the Met Office dismissed predictions of a "plunge" leading to an "autumn chill" as overblown. "This is a recognisably autumnal pattern rather than an exceptional cold spell," stated the Met Office.
The BBC Weather team added: "The coming week should be unsettled before high pressure builds to make the southern UK drier than the north through and beyond the middle of the month." They added that temperatures will be above or at least near average for most of the time, though some rather chilly and foggy nights are possible under clear and calm interludes.
Outlook for the rest of October
From Monday 12 to Sunday 18 October, conditions are expected to be "unsettled then potentially drier later", while from Monday 19 to Sunday 1 November, it is predicted to be "drier than normal in many areas", according to the BBC.
"The overall message is therefore one of changeable autumn weather. Spells of rain, brisk winds, showers and some chilly intervals, but also drier periods," the Met Office added. "Dramatic nationwide snow and prolonged freezing conditions are not the central themes of the current forecast."
