The United Kingdom is preparing for a significant cold snap, with weather maps indicating that snow blizzards are set to hit as much as half of England, reaching areas as far south as Birmingham.
Widespread Snow Forecast
Data from WX Charts, which utilises information from Met Desk, shows a dramatic downturn in conditions expected on Tuesday, November 18. A cold weather front will bring a dusting of snow to a vast swathe of the country, stretching from Birmingham northwards.
This means the West Midlands conurbation, Staffordshire, Shropshire, Cumbria, Northumberland, and Durham are all in line to be affected. Furthermore, regions including Yorkshire, Greater Manchester, Cheshire, and Lancashire are also at risk from the wintry showers.
Plunging Temperatures and Icy Conditions
During this period, temperature levels are forecast to range between a biting -1C and 0C. This data, based on the GFS advanced modelling, points to a widespread risk of frost and icy patches forming overnight.
Jo Farrow, a forecaster from Netweather, explained the cause, stating: "We have cold Arctic air coming down from the north this week. It will cross the Norwegian Sea, bring plenty of moisture and snow is in the forecast." She added that while many places will be dry and sunny by day, the clear skies will lead to very cold nights.
Official Outlook and Regional Impact
The Met Office outlook for Tuesday confirms the unsettled picture. It states: "A bright, frosty start for many in the south and east. Outbreaks of rain further north and northwest extending southeast to most parts through the day, with snow and ice affecting some northern areas. Feeling cold in the breeze."
The forecast for overnight into Wednesday adds that outbreaks of rain, with some snow, will move south and become confined to England and Wales. Clearer conditions further north will bring wintry showers, a widespread frost, and ice.
For those looking for significant snowfall, the key factor is the wind direction. The northerly flow is expected to bring showers of rain, sleet, hail, and increasingly snow to northern Scotland, including the Northern Isles, Caithness & Sutherland, Moray, and northern Aberdeenshire, even at low levels by midweek.
