A chilling new weather map has Brits bracing for a deep freeze, with an ominous purple patch indicating temperatures could nosedive to a teeth-chattering -13C.
The latest WX Charts map for the upcoming week paints most of the UK in cool greens, suggesting a range between zero and 5C. However, a menacing purple area looms towards the northwest, signalling even frostier times ahead.
After shivering through a “significant period of cold” and the chaos unleashed by Storm Bert which left five dead amid floods and relentless rain, it seems there’s no respite in sight. The WXCharts, using MetDesk data, predict that December 4 will see the temperature drop, while previous forecasts have suggested the mercury will plummet after December 6 – especially across Wales, northern England, and Scotland.
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(Image: Getty Images)
Met Office Chief Meteorologist Neil Armstrong warns: “With cold Arctic air firmly in place over the UK, continued winter hazards are likely through much of this week, with further updates to warnings likely in the coming days”, reports the Mirror.
He added: “The current focus for upcoming snow and ice risk is from later on Tuesday and overnight into Wednesday, with snow showers likely moving in off windward coasts in the north and east, as well as drifting into parts of Northern Ireland and Wales.
(Image: WXCharts)
“In excess of 10cm of snow is possible over higher ground within the warning areas, with 1-2cm possibly settling at lower levels, which has the potential to lead to some travel disruption. Ice is an additional hazard and is likely to form quickly on untreated surfaces.”
The Met Office’s long-range forecast from December 4 to December 18 predicts a cold lead-up to Christmas, with a mix of settled and changeable weather patterns. The forecast states: “The start of this period looks like being largely settled, with high pressure close to if not over the UK. However, there is also a chance of more changeable weather patterns, which would see Atlantic weather systems periodically move across the country.
“These will bring some wetter and windier interludes with a risk of some snow, especially for hills in the north. These conditions look more likely to dominate towards the middle of December. Temperatures generally close to average through the period.”
The Met Office has warned that despite the warmer temperatures, conditions may still feel chilly, especially during clear nights. However, there’s no sign of any severe cold snaps just yet.
The forecast indicates a mix of calm and unsettled weather across the UK. Residents in northern regions, particularly those in higher-altitude areas, are advised to be prepared for possible snowfall and difficult travel conditions.