Met Office offers verdict on snow because it names six areas in danger TODAY – see full record
The Met Office has warned parts of Scotland could see snow over high ground in the coming days as the UK cold snap brings temperatures below -5C
Parts of Scotland could see snow on Friday, the Met Office said (stock)(Image: Getty)
Several regions across the UK could be hit with snow on Friday as a bitter cold snap grips much of the nation. The Met Office has issued warnings that parts of Scotland may experience snowfall over elevated areas in the coming days.
A weather chart from the forecaster indicates snowfall across six locations in northern Scotland during the early hours of Friday. According to the chart, Strathan and Loch Glascarnoch are amongst the spots where snow is expected to fall – the complete list appears at the end of this article.
This forecast follows the Met Office’s warning last week about disruptions to the stratospheric polar vortex high above the Arctic.
A weather chart from the forecaster (Image: Met Office)
Experts say there are indications that a sudden stratospheric warming (SSW) – which can increase the probability of an extended dry, cold period of weather in Britain – is “developing”.
Paddy Manning, a Met Office spokesman, suggested Friday might bring “some of the coldest temperatures of the season so far”. The most severe temperatures are anticipated in countryside locations of north-west and south of England, the Midlands, southern Scotland and south-west and central Wales.
Mr Manning warned temperatures could drop below -5C in what he characterised as this winter’s “first pretty significant cold snap”. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has released its first cold health alert of the season, reports the Express.
Snowfall may be confined to the Highlands (stock)(Image: Getty Images)
The yellow warning, affecting the north-west of England and West Midlands, remains in effect until midday on Saturday. Mr Manning revealed the temperature dip would be short-lived, with the mercury set to rise again over the weekend. He also confirmed that snowfall would most likely be confined to hilltops in the Scottish Highlands.
On Thursday, the Met Office warned that cold Arctic air had swept southwards across the UK, with a “brisk northerly wind making it feel particularly chilly”. It went on to state: “Northern Scotland has the greatest chance of seeing snow, with wintry showers affecting northern and eastern Scotland and the Northern Isles.
“Snow is most likely above a few hundred metres, although temporary accumulations could occur as low as 200-300 metres. Around 2-5 cm could accumulate above 400 metres. Across the far north and northeast, showers will be frequent and blustery at times.”
The forecaster went on to warn: “Snow will principally affect higher ground, rather than bringing widespread disruption at lower levels. With cold air remaining in place, the risk of snow continues across parts of northern Scotland through the weekend.”
The Met Office noted that most areas should expect frost rather than any significant snowfall, with no weather warnings currently in place this week.
The Met Office’s UK forecast for Friday reads: “On Friday, plenty of autumnal sunshine for England and Wales. It will be cloudier in Northern Ireland, while showers move into northwest Scotland. Overnight, remaining cold with widespread frost.”
Full list of areas facing snow
- Letterwe
- Craig
- Scardoy
- Glen Affric
- Strathan
- Loch Glascarnoch
