UK in for thick blanket of snow as 500-mile stretch of white stuff on the best way
Following a gentle start to November, winter is finally asserting itself with authority. Fresh weather maps reveal an enormous snow blanket extending from Scotland all the way down to Kent.
WX Charts cautions that by 6am on Wednesday, November 19, a 500-mile snow front will be established, with certain regions across the UK bracing for up to 20 inches of accumulation. While Kent won’t bear the brunt of the heaviest snowfall, locals should prepare for freezing conditions, potential sleet and intermittent snow showers.
The initial flakes may arrive as soon as Thursday, November 18, especially across northern regions of the UK, as frigid air advances southward overnight into Wednesday.
(Image: WX Charts)
Kent is anticipated to experience the cold snap by midweek, with the season’s first frosts probable.
The Met Office’s extended forecast for November 18–27 explains: “Colder conditions, already affecting the far north of the UK, will move south, bringing snow showers and frost to many areas.
“Later in the period, conditions may become more changeable, with some rain or showers and possible hill snow further north, before temperatures return closer to average.”
(Image: PA)
Counties on alert in the Kent region according to WX Charts:
- Kent
- Greater London
- Hertfordshire.
- Buckinghamshire
- Essex
(Image: PA)
The Daily Star previously reported freezing conditions are set to grip the UK over the coming days as Storm Claudia moves away. A major incident has been declared following Storm Claudia’s devastation, with further downpours and flooding anticipated across Britain and Ireland today.
Natural Resources Wales had issued four severe flood warnings by 6am, indicating “significant risk to life and significant disruption to the community is expected”. But once this torrential rainfall subsides this weekend, arctic air will engulf the nation and deliver snow to millions next week.
The frigid air mass will begin arriving from the north on Sunday, spreading across the entire country by Monday.
(Image: PA)
Temperatures are forecast to drop to a bitter -7C in some areas, with the Met Office warning of “a risk of wintry hazards”.
Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist Dan Holley explained: “As Storm Claudia retreats to the south, high pressure to the northwest will drive a cold northerly flow from the Arctic across the UK.
“This will bring much colder conditions than of late and, whilst generally drier than recent days, there will also be a risk of wintry hazards, such as snow and ice.
“There will be widespread frosts across the UK, with temperatures dipping as low as -7°C in places next week, and daytime temperatures staying in single figures across the country.
“Couple this with a brisk northerly wind, and there will be a marked wind chill. This will be a notable change in our weather after a prolonged spell of above-average temperatures.
“People should keep an eye on the forecast in their area, as it is possible that warnings may be issued for snow and ice at times.”
