The UK is bracing for a significant wintry blast, with forecasters predicting a three-day 'snow bomb' set to strike from Friday, December 5. Four counties in England have been identified as being directly in the firing line for the heaviest accumulations.
Timeline and Worst-Hit Areas
Data from WX Charts, which utilises MetDesk information, indicates that snow is likely to fall persistently between Friday, December 5, and Sunday, December 7. The meteorological maps, based on the GFS modelling system, pinpoint around 3am on Saturday, December 6, as the probable peak for the most intense and heaviest flurries.
In England, the counties most at risk are:
- Northumberland
- County Durham
- North Yorkshire
- West Yorkshire
Scotland is also set for a substantial covering, with Aberdeenshire, Moray, Highland, Angus, Perth and Kinross, and Stirling all highlighted as areas likely to experience significant snowfall.
Unsettled Week Ahead with Further Warnings
This snowy episode follows a highly disruptive start to the week. The Met Office has confirmed that beyond Monday's severe conditions, a changeable week of weather is on the cards. Low pressure will continue to dominate, bringing a mixture of rain, showers, and occasional sunny spells for many.
James Madden from Exacta Weather provided analysis of the immediate conditions: "The unsettled weather conditions from overnight, including some quite heavy rain showers, have worked eastwards across Ireland and into northern and western parts of the UK." He warned that some of these showers carried a risk of flash flooding before easing. He also noted that some precipitation could consist of hail, accompanied by breezy conditions.
Regarding snow, Madden added: "In addition to some overnight and early today snow in parts of the far north and Scotland, some further snow-forming conditions are also likely in some parts of Scotland and the far north across higher ground once again during this evening and early Tuesday."
Official Met Office Warnings Issued
The Met Office has issued formal warnings for heavy rain alongside the snow risk. Chief Forecaster Rebekah Hicks stated: “Heavy rain will move over south Wales from late Sunday and through Monday. Whilst rainfall amounts will vary, the largest accumulations are expected over the highest ground in south Wales and could reach 100-120mm through the day."
She confirmed that 60-80mm is most likely for many hills within the Amber warning area, with 20-40mm possible at lower levels. Wider yellow warnings for rain are also in place for southwest and northwest England, central and northern Wales, and southwest Scotland, indicating potential disruption in these regions throughout Monday.
Residents in the affected areas are advised to stay updated with the latest forecasts from the Met Office and plan for potential travel disruption as the three-day snowy period approaches this weekend.
