The UK is preparing for a bout of disruptive winter weather this weekend, with the Met Office issuing a stark warning for extensive hill snow as a powerful Atlantic storm system sweeps across the country.
Counties on High Alert
According to the latest forecasts, specific regions have been identified as being at the highest risk. In England, the counties of Northumberland, Cumbria, Durham, North Yorkshire, and West Yorkshire are expected to bear the brunt of the wintry conditions. In Wales, the warning extends to Gwynedd, Conwy, and Denbighshire.
Maps for the weekend of Saturday, November 29, and Sunday, November 30, also indicate that parts of Scotland, namely the Scottish Borders and Dumfries and Galloway, could see significant snow flurries.
Meteorologist's Cautious Warning
Steven Keates, Deputy Chief Meteorologist at the Met Office, provided detailed insight into the developing situation. He stated, “Confidence is high that the weekend will be unsettled, but there remains some uncertainty over the exact track of the low-pressure system. Small shifts in its path could significantly affect where the heaviest rain and strongest winds occur.”
He further explained that this uncertainty means conditions will vary dramatically across the UK. “This means that while some areas may experience disruptive conditions, others could see much less severe impacts. The Met Office is closely monitoring developments and will update forecasts as the situation becomes clearer,” Keates added.
Detailed Weekend Forecast
The unsettled weather begins to build on Friday, November 28. The forecast indicates bands of showers moving southeast, some of which are expected to be heavy with a risk of thunder. While southeast England should remain dry, it will feel fresher and stay rather windy nationwide.
For Saturday, November 29, the Met Office predicts that heavy rain will move eastwards across parts of England and Wales, accompanied by strong winds. Northern Ireland and Scotland can expect brighter conditions, though they will not escape a few showers.
The outlook for the broader weekend suggests a changeable pattern. Sunday is expected to be drier and brighter but noticeably chillier. However, the reprieve will be short-lived, with further heavy rain and brisk winds forecast to move in through Monday.
