Snow warning with icy blast set to blanket UK as sharp temperature drop forecast

Brits are bracing themselves for a chilly spell as new forecasts predict widespread frost and ice will soon engulf the UK, but could snow arrive?

The latest weather maps reveal a mass of icy air sweeping across Europe and hitting the UK’s north-east coast, Ireland, and the Scottish Highlands by Wednesday, October 23. The maps, released by Metchecker, show a blue patch representing a 10-20% chance of frost spreading across the north-east and north-west of England, covering cities like Newcastle, Sunderland, and Manchester.

By Friday, October 25, a large band of frost is expected to move southwards, bringing sharply cold temperatures to central, eastern, and western England.

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The Met Office’s weather outlook for October 17-26 also warns of widespread rainfall, stating: “Through the second half of next week conditions will be very unsettled with rain affecting most regions at times.

“The heaviest rain is likely to be in the west or southwest to begin with, but later in the week, the focus probably shifting to central and eastern areas. Following the rain, a drier and brighter interlude is probable, before conditions turn unsettled once again by next weekend.”

The Met Office forecast indicates that the majority of the rain, showers, and strong winds will be confined to the northwest, while southeastern areas can expect predominantly dry and bright conditions. Temperatures are predicted to be above average, with warmer spells likely in brighter periods, reports the Mirror.

However, towards the end of October, there is a possibility of more settled conditions, with temperatures dropping to near-average levels and the possibility of overnight frost and fog.

According to the Met Office forecast, the first signs of frost may appear in the final days of October, with a potential increase in frequency at the beginning of November. The forecast states: “Potentially some wet and windy weather at first, especially in the northwest, but a trend towards more settled conditions is most favoured for late October as high pressure becomes increasingly dominant.

“This would bring the potential for frost and fog at night, and possibly large variations between daytime and overnight temperatures. Into early November, high pressure may become more centred to the northwest of the UK, resulting in a gradual trend towards more unsettled conditions, particularly across southern regions.”

Just a day later, on Saturday, October 26, large parts of the country are expected to experience freezing temperatures dropping below zero, with some regions bracing for icy -1C blasts, as per the latest maps from WX Charts. The northern parts of England and Scotland will be hit hardest by this cold snap, with Holbeck in Leeds expecting 0C temperatures, while areas in and around Perth and Kinross, Scotland, could feel more like -1C.

Aberdeen, the Scottish Borders and several areas northwest of Newcastle might also reach freezing point next week.

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