Britain is preparing for a dramatic plunge into winter as forecasters predict an icy blast will send temperatures tumbling to a bitter -5C later this month.
Purple Snow Maps Signal Widespread Disruption
New data from WXCharts.com reveals a stark seasonal shift, with weather maps turning a deep purple to indicate the arrival of significant snowfall. The big freeze is expected to commence on Wednesday, November 19, blanketing parts of the southwest, Wales, the Midlands, and Scotland.
The accompanying heat maps for the same day present a chilling picture, with vast areas of the UK waking to 0C. The most severe conditions are forecast for the Scottish Highlands, where the mercury is predicted to drop to a bone-chilling -6C (21.1F).
Prolonged Sub-Zero Spell and Met Office Outlook
The cold snap is not expected to be short-lived. The situation appears to intensify on Thursday, November 20, as large parts of Scotland face overnight temperatures ranging from -4C to -6C.
Charts indicate the sub-zero conditions will persist, with -3C expected on Friday, November 21, and snow remaining over Scotland. By Saturday, November 22, another sharp drop could see temperatures fall to a frigid -5C.
The Met Office's long-range forecast for the period Saturday, November 15 to Monday, November 24 supports this wintry outlook. It states that many central and northern parts of the UK will enter a colder, drier regime with overnight frosts. The forecast also warns of wintry showers on high ground and potential hill snow in the north later in the period.
Immediate Weather Forecast and Regional Variations
In the immediate days leading up to the deep freeze, the UK will experience a mixed bag of conditions. Thursday is set to bring heavy rain to northern England, southern Scotland, and Northern Ireland, easing later in the day.
Friday will see wet weather across the south, while the north stays drier, brighter, and colder. Saturday is expected to be widely dry and bright, though low cloud may linger over Wales and central and southern England.
This forecast confirms earlier warnings from experts who predicted that the wet and mild November weather would be replaced by plunging temperatures, snow, ice, and sleet by mid-month.