The Met Office has recently issued its verdict on the potential for snow to fall across the UK this month. Weather maps reveal predictions of up to nine inches of snow, particularly affecting the Cairngorms National Park, which could see snowfall settled on the ground around March 13, 2025. This forecast follows the Met Office's earlier predictions covering March 12 to March 21, stating expectations of 'high pressure' developing across the UK along with 'northeasterly winds' and 'a mixture of sunny spells and some showers'.
The showers are anticipated mainly over northern and eastern regions, with the possibility of snow accumulating over hills. A more immediate forecast extending from March 17 to March 27 highlights varied weather, indicating cool and showery conditions particularly on Friday, March 14, with northern and western areas experiencing more persistent rain or hill sleet.
Further along, the weekend of March 15-16 is expected to maintain cool weather linked to high pressure to the north, before transitioning to more unsettled conditions as the week of March 17 progresses. Meteorologists predict this shift will involve stronger winds and occasional rain, particularly impacting the north-western regions.
Regarding temperatures, initial conditions are projected to be below average, provoking frosty nights early on, but eventually, temperatures may rise above average later. The Met Office’s forecast from March 24 and beyond suggests low confidence; nonetheless, changeable weather patterns are probably on the horizon, mixing spells of wet and windy conditions with drier interludes as March progresses. Overall, temperatures are expected to be noticeably above average through April.
Meanwhile, another weather front has rolled out across the UK, bringing significant changes. Just hours after many enjoyed the warmest day of the year so far, dense fog has enveloped parts of the northeast, prompting the Met Office to issue yellow weather warnings. Visibility is projected to deteriorate to as low as 50 metres, with the fog impacting transportation routes and likely resulting in slower travel times, along with delays for buses, train services, and even flight cancellations.
The forecaster indicated, 'Fog will continue to develop across parts of northeast England, Yorkshire, and Humberside through Sunday night', with conditions expected to clear during Monday morning, March 10. The weather warning, effective until 9am on the same day, adds significant urgency to travel safety, encouraging motorists to factor additional time for journeys.
This sudden fog follows the weekend's sunshine, where temperatures peaked at nearly 20°C (68°F), eclipsing averages for early March of between 8-11°C (46-52°F). Saturday's high of 19.1°C (66.4°F) recorded at Bridgefoot, Cumbria, marked the previous warmest day of the year. Crowds overwhelmed parks and beaches from Weston Super Mare, Somerset, up to Lytham St Annes, Lancashire, where families seized the opportunity for picnics and fun under the sun.
Children built sandcastles and outdoor swimming pools buzzed with activity as many embraced spring's warmer conditions, giving beach huts and chalets the much-anticipated spring cleanup. This delightful weather even pulled early risers up Glastonbury Tor to witness stunning sunrises.
Not all were blissfully enjoying the sun, though. The Lecht ski centre located within the Cairngorms saw its ski slopes suffer under abnormally warm conditions. Only patches of snow remained on the typically wintery slopes, signaling perhaps the end of the skiing season earlier than usual.
Weather forecasters stated the warm air would continue initially for the south-east before colder conditions sweep across from the north. Judging from the predictions, the milder air would be replaced following the rainy front with winds bringing colder air masses from the north. Overnight frosts will return, particularly at higher elevations across northern England where temperatures could plunge to -2°C (28°F) by midweek, affecting central and southern England as well.
Weather disturbances might stretch as far south as Derbyshire by midweek of March 12-13, with the possibility of sleet and snow showers, especially on high grounds. Daytime highs could teeter at only around 8°C (46°F) or lower for parts of the country, presenting stark contrasts from the warm spell just experienced.
Chris Bulmer, the Met Office's deputy chief meteorologist, reflected on the switch saying, 'A frontal zone will move south across the UK following the warm weather, bringing much colder air from the north along with wintry showers likely to spread across the north and east of the UK next week'. He cautioned, 'Any accumulations of snow are likely to be largely restricted to hills. We’ll also see a return to overnight frosts across many areas.'
Uncertainty over the remainder of March persists as the Met Office indicated the upcoming week could maintain the cool, easterly theme with potential rain affecting the south coast. Predictions point toward overall unsettled weather patterns dominating the month, though temperatures might rise once more later on.
While the pleasant weekend brought joy, citizens now prepare for the changing faces of March weather, equipped with last-minute travel precautions and warm clothing as they navigate through fog, potential wintry showers, and fluctuated temperatures yet to come.