More snow looks to be heading to the UK as advanced modelling maps reveal a wintry weather front could soon hit Brits in several major cities across 24 hours
Snow (in purple) and heavy rain hitting the UK at 9pm on December 18(Image: WXCHARTS)
Several major cities could soon face snow as a 24-hour Arctic weather blast appears to be just days away from hitting the UK.
Advanced weather maps show snow falling in northern regions from around 6pm on December 18. At around 9pm, a weather front is tracked to sweep across the country from the Atlantic, bringing heavy rain to England and Wales, as well as snow to Northern Ireland.
By 3am on December 19, the maps show snow falling over the Pennines in northern England, as well as in the Highlands and parts of southern Scotland. More snow is then expected later on December 19. Maps for midday show intense flurries falling in parts of Northern Ireland and southern Scotland. Again, heavy rain could fall elsewhere in England and Wales.
Snow falling in Scotland and northern England at 3am on December 19(Image: WXCHARTS)READ MORE: UK snow forecast shows England and Wales to be hit in days – 16 counties affectedREAD MORE: How does Storm Bram get its name? Met Office offers explanation and how Brits can help choose
Snow is expected to then become concentrated over Scotland. Major cities such as Glasgow, Edinburgh and Dundee all appear to be in the firing line for snow at around 3pm.
Snow coverage maps for 6pm on December 19 show the full extent of this wintry weather blast, with snow settled on the ground across most of Northern Ireland, including Belfast, as well as most of Scotland and parts of northern England. Snow accumulations aren’t expected to be significant in Northern Ireland or England, but in the Scottish Highlands data suggests as much as 9cm could settle.
More snow is expected at midday on December 19(Image: WXCHARTS)
The Met Office has warned of potential “wintry hazards” over the coming days. Its forecast for December 14 to 23 states: “A continuation of a similar pattern to that seen through early December is anticipated, especially at first, as frontal systems from the Atlantic spread into and across the UK, interspersed with some temporary drier interludes.
“These will bring spells of rain, which may be heavy at times leading to the risk of some impacts given how wet it has been lately, especially in the west. In addition, there is also potential for some periods of strong winds at times too.
Several major cities could see some of the white stuff(Image: WXCHARTS)
“Whilst it will often be mild, later in the period there may be a slight downward trend in temperature, especially across northern parts of the UK, and the chance of drier spells increases. There may also be a slightly higher chance of some wintry hazards at times in the north.”
BBC Weather’s forecast for December 15 to 21 states: “Unsettled weather is expected to continue next week. There is reasonably good confidence in the broad pattern across the North Atlantic and Europe, with a predominance of low pressure near Iceland and Greenland, and higher pressure across eastern and south-western Europe.
Snow coverage (in purple) at 6pm on December 19(Image: WXCHARTS)
“This is a positive phase of what is called the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO), and as long as that persists then chances of any cold weather will be very limited. It should be mild for much of the time, with temperatures averaging higher than the seasonal normal and less chance of frost than usual.
“This set-up should also have the UK remaining under the influence of Atlantic low pressure and frontal systems, so further periods of wet and windy weather are expected, with occasional heavy rain and above-average precipitation amounts. The north and west will probably be wetter than the south and east.
“Occasional brief chillier shots are possible, especially between systems, but any snow should mostly be confined to higher elevations in the northern UK, chiefly Scotland.”
