Fresh weather maps predict snow could be just days away while temperatures are set take a sharp dip as we near the end of the month – now one expert has weighed in on the likelihood of flurries in October
A weather expert has weighed in on whether Britain could see snow this October – as new long-range forecasts suggest the first flurries of the season may be just days away.
According to the latest WXCharts maps, a chilling blast is on its way to the UK, bringing the potential for up to 7cm of snow in parts of Scotland before the end of the month. The forecast shows snow is likely to fall across mountainous areas in the Scottish Highlands from midday on Sunday, October 26, while northern England and Wales could also see wintry showers that same weekend.
Temperatures are expected to take a sharp dip from Saturday, October 25, with Scotland facing below-zero conditions and north-western England dropping into single figures.
READ MORE: UK snow forecast with 7cm on the cards as weather maps reveal exact dateREAD MORE: UK snow forecast to be ‘heavier than expected’ with four inches landing
Speaking about the possibility of snow arriving this month, BBC’s Lead Weather Presenter Sarah Keith-Lucas said: “For it to snow in October that would be regarded as early season snow and although snow in the UK is rare in October, it is not unheard of. In October 2008 it snowed as far south as London, with up to 3cm lying across parts of southern England. By November, snowfall across all parts of the UK becomes more likely.”
“The most common months for snowfall in the UK are January, February and early March,” Keith-Lucas added. “The details of expected snowfall are usually firmed up just a few days in advance.”
Historically, Scotland sees the highest number of snowy days, with the Cairngorm Chairlift – at an elevation of 663m (2,175ft) – recording around 76 days of snow each year. A patch of snow in the Cairngorms known as The Sphinx was once a permanent year-round feature, though it has melted completely six times since 2017.
According to the Met Office’s long-range forecast from October 18 to October 27, the end of the month will be characterised by wet and windy weather.
The forecaster says: “High pressure is expected at the start of this period. Light rain and drizzle is likely in parts of the southeast and north, mainly over the higher ground. Cloud amounts will be variable but it will likely be cloudier than not for most places, although there will be some spells of sunshine.
“Through the end of the weekend into the following week a transition to a more changeable period will occur. Low pressure systems will likely move west across the UK in some fashion bringing spells of rain, that may be heavy at times, and periods of stronger winds. There will however likely be some drier interludes for many areas. Temperatures likely near normal for the time of year.”
