Met Office warn of snow set to hit UK with checklist of ‘wintry hazards’

Brits face a dramatic weather rollercoaster as Storm Bram’s rain and gales give way to a brief mild spell, before an Arctic blast brings freezing temperatures and up to nine inches of snow

What you need to know about the snow forecast as the Met Office warns of ‘wintry hazards’

• Brits are preparing for a significant temperature drop and up to nine inches of snow, with 16 counties in England and Wales and parts of Scotland expected to be affected. The country is currently experiencing strong winds and heavy rain due to Storm Bram.
• As Storm Bram moves away later in the week, it will briefly bring milder weather, with temperatures reaching up to 16°C. However, an Arctic blast is predicted to send temperatures below zero in the lead-up to Christmas.
• Low pressure systems are forecast to sweep across the UK for most of December, causing unsettled and changeable weather. The collision of these systems with cold Arctic air around December 19 is expected to trigger widespread snowfall.
• On December 19, nationwide temperatures are expected to hover around zero, with central Scotland potentially dropping to -1°C. WXCharts predicts that snowfall could reach as far south as Devon, disrupting travel on December 20.
• 16 counties in England and Wales, including Yorkshire, Cumbria, and Devon, are forecast to see snowfall on December 19. While most areas will only see a few centimetres, the west coast of Scotland could receive up to 23cm (nine inches) of snow.
• The Met Office forecasts that Atlantic weather systems will continue to affect the UK from December 14-23, bringing spells of rain and strong winds, especially in the west. The risk of flooding remains high due to already saturated ground.
• Although milder weather is expected at times, a downward trend in temperatures is likely later in the month, particularly in northern regions. This increases the chance of drier spells and wintry hazards, such as snow and ice.
• The national weather service warns of a higher likelihood of wintry conditions in the north as the month progresses. Residents are advised to prepare for potential travel disruptions and hazardous weather leading up to Christmas.
• READ THE FULL STORY: UK snow forecast shows 16 counties battered as Met Office warns of ‘wintry hazards’