30 Hours of Snow Forecast for Midlands in May Arctic Blast

UK weather maps indicate a prolonged spell of wintry conditions next week, with approximately 30 hours of persistent snowfall expected across multiple counties. According to WXCharts, the first bands of snow will arrive at 3pm on Tuesday, May 12, and continue until 9pm on Wednesday, May 13.

Affected Regions

By midday on Wednesday, snow is predicted to extend into parts of Yorkshire and County Durham, including Harrogate and Darlington, while Newcastle and Durham are also likely to see flurries. Scotland, from Ayr to central and northern areas, is expected to experience widespread snow during the same period. Snow may reach northwest Scotland around 6pm on Tuesday. In contrast, northern England regions such as Blackpool, Preston, and Blackburn are forecast to receive rainfall instead.

Temperature Drop

Temperatures are predicted to drop to near-freezing across substantial parts of Scotland at roughly 6am on Wednesday, with lows between 3°C and 7°C across most of England. The Met Office forecast for Tuesday to Thursday states: "Rain moving southeastwards on Tuesday, followed by sunshine and showers, heavy and thundery at times. Rather cool and often breezy. Further overnight frosts."

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Expert Analysis

Netweather.tv meteorologist Nick Finnis noted: "Later in the week, air will have originated from within the Arctic circle, so it will feel distinctly chilly, particularly out of the sun, while snow is a possibility for Scottish mountains. Showers will occur most days in the cool northerly or northwesterly flow, turning heavier from mid-week when Arctic air arrives. At night, there will be a risk of widespread frost as skies clear, especially later in the week."

He added: "Another weakening cold front will move southeast across the UK on Tuesday, reaching the southeast early evening, bringing a band of cloud with patchy rain for most. Some sunshine ahead of the front, with sunny spells returning after clearance, but blustery showers arriving in the northwest. Temperatures similar to Monday."