The UK is bracing for a significant winter weather event, with the number of counties expected to be hit by snow tomorrow rising to fifteen.
Expanding Snow Alert
Initial forecasts had identified nine counties at risk, primarily in the Pennines, alongside Durham, Cumbria, and Northumberland. However, the alert has now been extended further south. While Northamptonshire, Warwickshire, Cornwall, Norfolk, and Suffolk were already considered potential targets, the list has grown to include Kent, Shropshire, and the West Midlands conurbation.
This expansion means a much wider area of England, as well as parts of Scotland, should prepare for disruptive snowfall on Tuesday, November 18.
Forecast Details and Warnings
Meteorologists are warning that the UK snow event has been upgraded, with predictions of 5cm blizzards in some areas. The BBC Weather team indicates that tomorrow will be characterised by cloudy and windy conditions, with showery rain moving southwards.
This rain is expected to turn to sleet and snow over higher ground, particularly in northern regions. Later in the day, North Scotland will also experience snow showers.
Longer-Term Outlook
The cold snap is set to continue through the week. The outlook for Wednesday suggests a cold and largely dry day after any early light rain clears from the south-east. Coastal areas can expect wintry showers, which will be frequent in North Scotland.
Thursday is forecast to be another chilly but bright day, with a few possible wintry showers in the east. By Friday, spells of rain are expected in the north-west, while conditions should be drier to the south.
This impending cold spell arrives just days after Storm Claudia caused major flooding in Monmouth. The severe flooding led to people being rescued from their homes, with some evacuated to a library and a leisure centre.
Monmouthshire county councillor Martin Newell described the scene as "dreadful," having spoken to a resident who had "lost everything, all of his possessions." He expressed concern that local businesses would not recover in time for Christmas.
MP Catherine Fookes stated it was a "really worrying time" and confirmed that flood defences would need to be reviewed as the clear-up operation continues.
