Arctic storm air is set to blast parts of the UK in the coming days, as temperatures are expected to plummet to -3C, and some areas could experience snow depths of 5cm to 10cm
Forecasters are predicting widespread snow across northern Scotland, parts of northern England, stretching as far as Wales and the Midlands.
Britain could be facing a freezing cold blast from an Artic storm, that might sweep across the entire country in the coming days. Temperatures are predicted to plummet to as low as -3C.
According to the latest weather maps from WXCharts and Netweather, many parts of the UK may experience heavy snowfall and icy conditions if the storm arrives.
The map suggests that by Thursday, December 19, snow showers could begin to spread southwards, along with bitingly cold air that will make the temperature feel even lower.
Many areas of Scotland, in particular the Highlands and Grampians, are expected to see significant snow depths by midweek.
Snowfall could reach up to 5cm to 10cm in the worst-hit areas. Meanwhile, parts of northern England and the Pennines could also see snow settling on higher ground, according to Netweather maps, which shows the parts of the country at risk.
Areas of Northumberland, the Yorkshire Dales and the Midlands could also see flurries later in the day, on Thursday,
Temperatures are forecast to dramatically drop, reach a low of -3C in northern areas, as Arctic air will spread over Scotland, and parts of northern England by Thursday evening. Overnight, temperatures are anticipated to dip well below freezing, with key areas including Aberdeen, Inverness and Edinburgh, according to WXCharts.
Further south, some regions such as Manchester, Newcastle, and Birmingham are expected to see a daytime high temperature of 2C to 4C, with overnight frost also forecast.
London and the southeast will also see temperatures fall close to freezing during the evenings and the possibility of snow showers through the day on Thursday. Rain and sleet will then make their way southwards, according to the maps.
Alternatively, the Met Office forecast a “generally brighter and showery” weather for Thursday, adding that it will be “often windy”, with temperatures “briefly very mild, then colder later”.
Looking forward to the Christmas period, the Met Office’s long-range forecast states: “After a mainly dry start on Friday, a band of showery rain is likely to move southeastwards across the UK. Beyond this, it will remain changeable through the rest of the period.
“The wettest and windiest conditions will probably be in the north, with spells of heavy rain at times as low pressure systems pass by. Further south, whilst some unsettled weather is likely at times, it will probably be drier overall with a greater influence of high pressure.
“Temperatures will likely vary around average, with both some milder and colder interludes at times. Snow will most likely be restricted to high ground, although could temporarily fall at lower levels in the north during any colder interludes.”
