UK snow maps show 2-day -5C blizzards to ‘bury’ 25% of Britain | Weather | News
While weather maps suggest large parts of the UK could face harsh winter weather at the end of the season, forecasters are warning that heavy snowfall and sub-zero temperatures could ravage parts of the country in the coming days.
WXCharts’ forecast models show bands of heavy snowfall across northern and central Britain; This increases the likelihood that as much as 25% of the country will see significant snow cover during a short but devastating cold spell. Maps show blizzard-like conditions could develop for around 48 hours, particularly in parts of Scotland, northern England and areas exposed to strong easterly winds. Weather analysts say the combination of cold air and low pressure from the North Sea could lead to heavy snow showers and reduced visibility in some areas.
Bursts of heavy snow are expected to fall on major cities including Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Dundee, Newcastle, Leeds, Manchester, Sheffield, York, Nottingham, Birmingham, Stoke-on-Trent, Norwich, Ipswich and parts of London.
In the northern parts of the country, temperatures can drop to -5 degrees.
If the cold weather persists, showers of snow could also reach parts of the Midlands and eastern England.
Maps show low pressure forming near the North Sea, while cold air coming from the east creates conditions suitable for prolonged snowfall and strong winds.
Temperatures in affected areas may fall near or below freezing, making snow more likely to settle quickly on roads and higher ground.
Despite dramatic signals of snow in some weather models, the UK’s national forecaster, the Met Office, says the start of the period is expected to remain largely set for most areas.
In its latest outlook, the Met Office said: “Friday 20 March – Sunday 29 March: There will be a stable start to the period with most places being mostly dry, under the influence of high pressure.
“Temperatures will be near or slightly above average, but parts to the south will feel colder than earlier in the week and a gusty easterly wind will begin to develop.”
The forecaster added that sunny weather is likely in many areas initially, but a developing east wind could make conditions feel cooler than at the beginning of the week. The weather will be pleasant for many people, thanks to the spring sunshine, but the longer-term picture is less certain as established conditions may not persist.
The Met Office also warned that there were signs that showers or rain could return later in the period, particularly in southern parts of the country, depending on how pressure systems develop.
