Brits better get their winter gear ready as new weather maps have pinpointed the exact date an Arctic onslaught is expected to hit – and it’s just around the corner.
According to the latest from WX Charts, swathes of the UK could be smothered in snow from November 18 as the mercury takes a nosedive. This chilly update follows previous hints that Scotland could be first in line for a snowy surprise. Some forecasters are telling the nation to gear up for bone-chilling -1C temps that might even plummet to a teeth-rattling -6C in parts of Scotland during what could be a 66-hour snow marathon.
(Image: WXChart)
The fresh maps are splashed with white and purple, signalling that we might be in for a hefty dump of the white stuff. But hold your horses – the Met Office is pumping the brakes on these frosty forecasts, saying it’s still too early to confirm such a cold snap.
Met Office spokesperson Andrea Bishop has poured some lukewarm water on the icy predictions in a chat with Country Living: “There is no indication of widespread snow at this time and snow is not something that can be forecast at such a long timeframe. Forecasting snow in the UK isn’t like some other places along the UK’s latitude, where snow can be quite reliably forecast days or weeks in advance.
“Because of the UK’s location, where the air comes from is incredibly important when it comes to determining if snow is possible. Being surrounded by water also adds another factor to predicting snow chances in the UK. It may not feel like it if you dip your toe in, but the water in the seas around the UK is well above freezing and that affects the temperature of the air close to the surface which can determine how much snow is in the forecast.”
(Image: WXChart)
The Met Office’s long-range forecast, spanning November 12 to November 21, indicates there will be some “cold spells” and “fog” in the coming weeks. It stated: “Likely still a good deal of dry weather during the middle of next week.
“Most areas should be largely dry with a good chance of sunny spells but also scope for overnight frost in clearer areas. The influence of high pressure is likely to decline through the course of next week with an increasing chance of showers or longer spells of rain, initially more likely in the east.
“However, there is currently significant uncertainty in how quickly conditions turn more unsettled. Thereafter, likely more mixed conditions conditions with some wetter, windier weather at times but also some drier interludes bringing the chance of morning fog patches. Temperatures overall around average though with potential for some rather cold spells.”
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