Snow could fall at a rate of around four inches per hour across parts of the UK on Sunday as a powerful storm sweeps across a 600-mile stretch covering Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland
Up to four inches of snow per hour could pummel the UK this week as a fierce storm strikes, according to weather maps. The GFS weather model indicates that snow is set to blanket Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland – spanning approximately 600 miles – on Sunday, as wet weather systems clash with frigid air.
Precipitation charts reveal a formidable band of wintry conditions sweeping in from the Atlantic during the night, initially striking western regions before advancing eastward by 3am.
Major population centres including Manchester, Birmingham, Stoke-on-Trent, Newcastle, Glasgow and Dundee are forecast to experience snowfall in the early hours of Sunday.
Other significant cities such as Belfast, Bristol, Plymouth and London are anticipated to encounter icy rain before sleet takes hold, reports the Mirror. The data indicates that snow could tumble at an extraordinary rate of approximately four inches per hour in certain locations.
By 6am, the weather system is predicted to advance further east, with parts of London, Norwich and Ipswich awakening to wintry scenes. Snow depth charts point to extensive snowfall by around 9am, with the most substantial accumulations concentrated across Scotland.
Areas of the Cairngorms and eastern Highlands could witness up to 20 inches of snow, especially on elevated terrain.
Meanwhile, eastern Scotland, encompassing regions around Dundee, Angus and eastern Perthshire, could experience around four to six inches. Northern England, encompassing Northumberland, Cumbria and the Pennines, is braced for several inches of snowfall, with more substantial accumulations anticipated across elevated terrain.
Moving southward, areas of the Midlands and Wales may encounter lighter snow showers, whilst much of southern England is expected to face sporadic snow, sleet or freezing rain.
In its extended outlook spanning February 14 to February 23, the Met Office predicts that Atlantic frontal systems will make a comeback at the beginning of this timeframe. These atmospheric boundaries across the North Atlantic, where contrasting air masses collide, have the potential to generate low-pressure systems and deliver turbulent conditions.
The weather service continues: “The track of these depressions may be a little further north than over the preceding weeks, but will continue to bring broadly unsettled weather to many areas, with further spells of rain and perhaps strong winds at times.
“With the westerly influence, it should become somewhat milder for many, though there remains the chance that colder conditions could affect northern and northeastern parts from time to time.”
For Tuesday, the Met Office predicts a grey beginning accompanied by bursts of rain and drizzle. Torrential downpours will sweep into southern regions before giving way to sunny spells and scattered showers.
The remainder of the UK is anticipated to stay overcast and wet. Looking ahead to Wednesday through Friday, forecasters state: “Staying unsettled at first with further outbreaks of rain for many. Turning colder and brighter on Friday with a chance of snow showers, particularly in the north and east.”
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