UK set for 686-mile Arctic blast as climate maps to show purple in simply days
A huge 686-mile Artic blast is set to bring freezing temperatures across the country before the month is over, new weather maps have suggested – but so far the verdict is still out on whether it will be a white Christmas
A massive 686-mile-wide Arctic blast is forecasted to bring freezing temperatures across the UK, with new weather maps indicating a cold snap on December 21. Weather maps from WXCharts show a large swathe of the country turning blue and purple, suggesting cold weather conditions, from Wick in the north to Southampton in the south.
This comes after the Met Office issued yellow rain warnings for several parts of the UK, with persistent rain expected in western Scotland from Sunday to Tuesday. The latest maps suggest that snow and rain could cause further chaos, with northern areas such as Wick, Fort William, and Portree potentially seeing a thick layer of snow.
In contrast, cities like Newcastle, Manchester, Birmingham, London, and Southampton may experience wet conditions. Temperatures are expected to be lowest in areas around Inverness and Fort William, ranging from -1C to 0C, while southern parts of the country may see temperatures between 2-3C.
The Met Office’s long-range forecast from December 19 to 28 states: “Rain will clear to the east on Thursday with showers following on a very strong northwesterly wind. Showers are likely to become wintry over high ground in the north.”
It goes on to add: “Beyond this, it will remain changeable through the rest of the period. The wettest and windiest conditions will probably be in the north, with spells of heavy rain at times as low pressure systems pass by.”, reports the Express.
“Further south, whilst some unsettled weather is likely at times, it will probably be drier overall with a greater influence of high pressure.”
“Temperatures will likely vary around average with both some milder and colder interludes at times. Snow will most likely be restricted to high ground, although could temporarily fall at lower levels in the north during any colder interludes.”
Met Office five-day forecast
This Evening and Tonight: Cloud and outbreaks of rain and hill fog will continue to slowly move southeastwards across the UK through this evening and overnight. Temperatures rising through the night as mild air spills in with the cloud.
Sunday: Cloudy, with outbreaks of rain and drizzle. The driest weather will be towards the southeast and wettest towards the northwest.
Mild for all and turning increasingly windy in the north.
Outlook for Monday to Wednesday: Monday remains blustery, but it will be a little brighter. Heavy rain continuing across western Scotland.
Wet and windy weather slowly moving eastwards through Tuesday and Wednesday. Mild for all.
