The Met Office says temperatures are set to plunge due to a “gale force northerly wind,” the nature of which will lead to significant drifting of snow throughout Friday
Heavy snow is forecast for the majority of the UK in the coming days.
Daytime temperatures are set to tumble to as cold as -4C during this spell, the Met Office says. The weather agency also understands snow is likely as far south as Kent by Saturday, as a “gale force northerly wind” is set to take hold.
A weather warning for snow and ice has been issued for New Year’s Day and Friday, during which up to 11 inches (30 cm) of snow could accumulate. Referencing this, the Met Office website reads: “Showers will turn increasingly to snow through Thursday as a strong, perhaps locally gale force northerly wind sets in. Initially accumulations will mainly affect higher routes, but by evening some accumulations will start to build even to low levels, with 2 to 5, locally 10 cm of lying snow accumulating by Friday morning.
“Above 200 m some places could see 10-20 cm of snow accumulate, and on the highest routes and hills, 30 cm or more may build through this period. Given the strength of the wind some significant drifting of snow is likely.”
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Travel disruption — at a time when train stations and airports are likely to be busy after New Year’s celebrations — is expected, especially across Scotland. The weather may also affect Hogmanay celebrations north of the border as snow will be heaviest across the Scottish Highlands and Aberdeenshire.
The Met Office adds: “Northerly winds will bring a spell of very cold, wintry conditions to much of if not all of the UK through at least the early part of this period. These will bring snow showers to areas that are exposed to onshore winds. Subtle day-to-day changes in wind direction will change the places most exposed to the showers, but where they occur some significant accumulations of snow are likely.”
The northerly wind, strong enough to reach gale levels, will take force from New Year’s Day evening. Gusts of 60mph are expected along the North Sea coastline, notably around Humberside, and so roads will be treacherous throughout that night and into Friday.
The Met Office continues: “Snowy, wintry weather can cause delays and make driving conditions dangerous, so to keep yourself and others safe: plan your route, checking for delays and road closures, amending your travel plans if necessary.
“If driving, leave more time to prepare and check your car before setting off; make sure you have essentials packed in your car in the event of any delays (warm clothing, food, water, a blanket, a torch, ice scraper/de-icer, a warning triangle, high visibility vest and an in-car phone charger). People cope better when they have prepared in advance for the risk of power cuts or being cut off from services and amenities due to the snow. It’s easy to do; consider gathering torches and batteries, a mobile phone power pack and other essential items.”
Weather maps issued by Metdesk, another meteorological service, show white hues as far south as Kent on Saturday night. During this time, flurries are expected across London as well.
But the heaviest of the snow in England is feared across the East Midlands, such as Lincolnshire and Leicestershire, on Saturday evening. It will move east throughout the night, and so Norfolk will see a dusting duing Sunday morning, it is thought.
As yet, no further weather warnings have been issued by the Met Office. Forecasters stress new alerts could be issued, particularly for Saturday, in the coming days.
