Weather forecasting models suggest snow could develop in parts of the UK later this month, with flurries possibly reaching as far south as Devon, Somerset and Dorset.
The GFS weather model shows snow developing in northern parts of Scotland throughout the evening of October 20, initially falling at a rate of around 2mm per hour over higher ground. Data suggests the snow will intensify and slowly start moving southward over the subsequent hours.
Snow expected in Scotland and northern England
Maps for 6am on October 21 show some flurries over the Peak District, while heavier snow falls on the Cairngorms National Park in Scotland. The weather system is expected to bring rain for most as it sweeps down the country.
However, the GFS model shows some of the precipitation could briefly fall as snow on the morning of October 22 in Devon, Somerset and Dorset. Snow depth charts suggest it won't settle anywhere other than the Yorkshire Dales and the Scottish Highlands. As much as 15cm (5.5 inches) could land over the highest peaks in Scotland.
Met Office and BBC forecasts
The Met Office says “thicker cloud and some outbreaks of rain” are on the cards across the UK tomorrow, with an area of low pressure also bringing the “prospect of gales along coasts and over high ground in northern and western” areas. Met Office Deputy Chief Forecaster Mike Silverstone said: “Currently, however, these conditions are not likely to result in the need for severe weather warnings.”
Tuesday looks set to be “unusually mild for October”, especially in eastern and southeastern areas. A band of rain, bringing heavy showers at times, is expected to move across the UK before “fresher conditions arrive from the west”. Northern Ireland and Scotland might see some “lively showers”, the Met Office says.
The BBC forecast states: “Tomorrow will then be a cloudy and damp day, with thick cloud for all, and some patchy spells of rain lingering in spots. A chance of some mist and fog over the hills and coasts. Breezy and mild.
“Windy on Tuesday with a band of cloud and rain moving in, followed by sunshine. Scattered heavy showers will push into northwestern Scotland by the evening.”
