The UK is bracing for winter weather conditions as temperatures are set to drop drastically with snow and rain forecasted to hit numerous regions this week. Following unseasonably warm weather last week, with temperatures soaring as high as 16C, the Met Office has warned of incoming cold air and precipitation.
According to the Met Office, snow is expected to begin falling from Wednesday morning, particularly affecting parts of northern England and Scotland. The weather will usher in significant changes, with forecasters predicting snow drifts and various wintry weather phenomena across various counties, especially at higher elevations.
Met Office meteorologist Honor Criswick noted, "On Wednesday afternoon there will be plenty of showers on the cards, once again bringing the possibility of snow across parts of the Pennines, some hail, and possibly even some thunder." This highlights the volatile nature of the weather expected, shifting rapidly from rain to snow. For many residents, it seems to be the beginning of winter's grip reasserting itself across the UK.
Weather forecasts indicate snow could start falling around 6am on Wednesday, particularly strong over Kendal and Dumfries, where accumulations could reach over four millimeters per hour. Areas like Preston and Manchester will see light dustings of snow at around 6:30am.
The unsettled weather will not just be confined to snow; heavy rain is predicted across the southwest of England, moving eastward throughout the day. The forecaster stated, "A front moves in from the west on Wednesday morning, bringing snow at elevations over 300m, with the greatest accumulations likely above 400-450m. Any accumulations are expected to be modest, but the switch from temperatures of 16C to near 7C will be felt across the region."
Later on Wednesday, the temperature may rise slightly to around 7C, but predictions suggest chilly winds will make it feel colder. Heavy rain is anticipated to sweep through the country, followed by sunny spells and intermittent showers throughout the afternoon.
A detailed look at the affected locations confirms widespread impacts, with snow and rain expected across 28 counties, particularly emphasizing areas like the Highlands, Perth, and Kinross, which may see temperatures plunge to as low as -2C. An increasing sense of urgency is reflected as residents prepare for potential disruption due to snow and sleet expected later this week.
Weather maps indicate the conditions will move eastward after affecting Ireland on Tuesday evening. By around 4am on Wednesday, Wales is also expected to experience snowfall, with locations like Caernarfon and Bala at risk. The wintry conditions will move northeast, reaching central areas including Greater Manchester and progressively onwards.
Manchester’s forecasts show temperatures fluctuated between 4C and 7C on Wednesday, with wind gusts reaching 23mph. Snow is projected to clear by the afternoon, leaving behind showers and cooler air.
Tuesday night will bring chilly temperatures with patches of frost across eastern England, as some western areas prepare for cloud and rain moving in by dawn. The forecast for Wednesday reflects heavy rain expected to move eastward and continued breezy conditions along with cooler temperatures.
Looking later this week, the forecast predicts some relief with drier conditions returning for Thursday and Friday. These days will likely be clearer with scattered showers, but by Saturday more rain is expected as patchy conditions slowly move southward.
The broader outlook for early March suggests unsettled weather is likely to continue, with Atlantic weather systems bringing rain and wind to most areas. Notably, night frosts may also appear alongside patches of fog during this transition period. The Met Office summarises it best: "While some areas might enjoy drier spells, the presence of cold fronts suggests unsettled weather will dominate the overall picture for the upcoming weeks."
Residents are advised to prepare for the colder spell and stay updated with the latest forecasts as the wintry conditions may lead to disruptions.