Exclusive:
Two bitterly cold swipes are coming for Britain in February, and while some snow is predicted, experts are keeping a close eye on what’s to come nationwide.
Britain is under a watching brief for snow and two cold snaps in February, an expert has claimed. New weather maps show flurries hitting the country from around mid-month, but one meteorologist has said there’s two separate occasions where temperatures are likely to dip.
He told the Mirror: “There is some colder weather pushing south from around the February 4 and 5, but apart from Highland snow and a few dots on the highest ground further south, there is nothing overly dramatic by way of snow. However, there is a second colder plunge on February 8 and 9, that is likely to see resulting hard frosts and some very low temperatures. But it’s mainly dry air so for now…though it will need watching. There is nothing mild or warm in the medium term outlook.”
Maps from WXCHARTS turn purple overnight on February 9 for the north-eastern coast of England and large swathes of Scotland. This comes as much of the country straddles freezing, with the mercury plunging to -2C on the English-Scottish border. The south-east will sit at 0C overnight, with icy weather and frosts forming. Intel from the maps currently show the bitter freeze will drift in from Scandinavia, from Friday, February 7 – but as Mr Dale said, only a slither of snow will grace the Scottish Highlands as the weather remains settled and dry.
The latest Met Office long-range forecast, right up until February 13, paints a far more varied picture, but does allude to a drier period on the horizon. It says: “Periods of wet weather are likely to affect north-western parts of the UK at times, particularly early in this period. Some heavy rain is possible and this is likely to be accompanied by spells of strong winds. South of this, across the rest of the UK, it is likely to be more settled and whilst some rain can’t be ruled out at times, there is likely to be plenty of dry weather through this period.
Cold snap exact dates and verdicts
“Winds will be lighter and this will bring the risk of overnight frost and fog. Overall, temperatures will be close to normal for most, but it is likely to be mild at times in the northwest. Brief colder spells are likely here in between weather systems though.” Longer range weather maps illustrate February 8 and 9 of being a time when the country falls into sub-zero temperatures.
However, it depicts more widespread snow for the country around Valentine’s Day with up to 6cm predicted for rural parts of Newcastle and the eastern coast of Scotland. This may change as time draws closer and more confidence is provided over what these sporadic cold spells mean for Brits.
Independent forecasters Netweather allude to a potential cold period in February in their long-range forecast. It says: “There is potential for the polar vortex to weaken or shift towards northern Scandinavia later in the month, perhaps as a result of a Sudden Stratospheric Warming, the chance of which look to have a greater probability than normal of occurring this winter, particularly later on.
“This could bring a greater chance of a spell or two of colder north-westerly, northerly or easterly flows, bringing a risk of wintry hazards, particularly for the north. But overall, milder-than-average and wetter-than-average conditions for the whole month.”
