The United Kingdom is preparing for a dramatic weather shift as meteorologists predict the arrival of a cold snap that could bring snow to parts of the country next week.
From Storms to Snowfall
Following the recent chaos caused by Storm Claudia, which brought significant flooding and transport disruption nationwide, the Met Office indicates that wet conditions will be replaced by much colder weather. The storm prompted both amber and yellow rain alerts, with the final warning expiring at 6am on Saturday, November 15.
Forecasters now anticipate temperatures will drop sharply to around 3°C, creating conditions conducive to winter precipitation. The Met Office specifically noted: "There is the potential for some snow in places next week if certain scenarios play out, but it is a long way ahead in terms of snow forecasting."
Detailed Weather Timeline
For the period from Sunday, November 16 to Thursday, November 20, weather authorities predict low cloud and patchy drizzle will gradually clear from southern regions. Most other areas should experience largely dry conditions with bright or sunny spells.
However, Scotland will see a fragmenting band of cloud moving slowly across the country, followed by scattered wintry showers. The Met Office confirms these days will feel colder than recent conditions, with potential for rain, hill snow and icy stretches particularly affecting northern regions on Tuesday and Wednesday.
By Thursday, many inland areas should enjoy dry and sunny weather, though overnight frosts will become common as the cold persists.
Extended Outlook Towards December
Looking further ahead from Thursday to Saturday, November 29, forecasters expect a cold northerly flow to dominate initially. This pattern will bring widespread overnight frosts, below-average temperatures and frequent wintry showers, primarily targeting exposed northern, eastern and western coastal counties.
The Met Office indicates these showers may occasionally feed farther inland in some locations. Towards the end of the week and beyond, a transition to milder but more unsettled conditions appears likely as Atlantic frontal systems begin tracking eastwards across the UK.
This shift could bring more widespread spells of rain or showers, with occasional hill snow remaining possible in northern areas and some risk of strong winds developing.
As we move into December, meteorologists note considerable uncertainty but highlight a greater than normal chance of slower evolving weather patterns. This could manifest as periods of rain or showers with hill snow remaining a possibility, mainly in northern regions.
However, periods of high pressure are also expected at times, bringing drier weather that increases the likelihood of overnight fog and frost formation. Overall, temperatures are most likely to remain close to average, though colder spells could develop if prolonged settled weather patterns establish themselves.
