An Arctic blast is set to bring the first snowfall of the winter to more than 20 areas across the UK next week. The Met Office has predicted a significant shift in weather patterns following heavy rain this weekend, with a likelihood of snow as Arctic air moves in.
Experts anticipate a surge in high pressure over the weekend, pushing icy northerly winds as it moves south towards the Azores. This cold front’s southward movement is expected to lead to a drop in temperatures and the potential for wintry conditions, including snowfall in various regions.
Scotland may experience temperatures as low as -4C early on Monday, with the cold spell projected to extend nationwide, causing temperatures to fall several degrees below the seasonal average. Night-time temperatures could dip to -2C in North West England on Tuesday, with widespread lows between 0-2C in central England and Scotland on Wednesday.
The Met Office warns of an increased possibility of sleet and snow, especially over hills and mountains in Scotland, Northern Ireland, northern England, and potentially North Wales. Towards the end of next week, a widespread wintry phase could affect the UK, with even southern regions likely to see snowfall.
According to OpenWeather forecasts, snowfall could hit parts of Scotland and the North East as early as Monday. Wales may experience snow on Tuesday, potentially reaching Gloucestershire in the South West, while Northern Ireland might see snowfall by Wednesday.
The Met Office highlighted in a blog post that the likelihood of snow will rise in the coming days, with wintry conditions expected in various regions. There is a chance of sleet and snow in northern Scotland by Sunday and Monday, spreading southward into Northern Ireland, northern England, and North Wales by Tuesday.
The middle and end of next week could witness a more widespread wintry period if a weather system moves south, with models indicating a significant chance of snow even in southern parts of the country. Alongside snow, there is a risk of ice formation, particularly where rain falls on cold surfaces.