The United Kingdom is preparing for a sharp drop in temperatures as the first significant snowfall of the season is forecast to arrive, creating blustery and wintry conditions across several regions.
Where and When the Snow Will Hit
According to detailed maps from forecaster WXCHARTS, the cold snap is set to blanket parts of Scotland and northern England starting today. The Scottish Highlands could see accumulations of up to four inches of snow. The wintry weather is then expected to push further south.
By 3am on Wednesday, November 19, the snow is predicted to expand, covering large parts of Scotland, Newcastle, and the wider north of England. The areas bracing for impact include Stoke-on-Trent, the Peak District, Sheffield, and Doncaster, which could experience snowfall rates of up to 1mm per hour.
A Mix of Snow and Rain
Not all regions will witness a whiteout. While some areas prepare for snow, others are set for a drenching. Wales is expected to see persistent rain, with intensities reaching up to 3mm per hour. The same level of rainfall is anticipated along the north-east coast near Newcastle.
Elsewhere in England, patches of rain will affect Cornwall, the Cotswolds, Manchester, Chester, Liverpool, and Cambridge. For the south of England, most areas are expected to remain dry, though isolated patches of rain may appear in Cornwall, Bristol, Gloucester, and eastern parts of the country.
Met Office Forecast and Widespread Frost
The Met Office forecast warns of an icy start for some, with rain and hill snow clearing southeastwards through the morning. The rest of the day will be drier and brighter with sunny spells. However, frequent wintry showers are expected for areas exposed to the cold northerly wind, bringing heavy snow in places.
By 9am on Wednesday, snow depth could range from five to 10cm deep in the hardest-hit locations. The places expected to be impacted by this accumulating snow include Scotland, Cumbria, the Peak District, Sheffield, Doncaster, Stoke-on-Trent, Birmingham, and even Kent in the south-east.
The Met Office adds that "blustery snow showers continue to affect areas exposed to the cold northern wind, with some accumulations, especially over high ground." For other parts of the country, clear skies will lead to a widespread frost, signalling a definitive turn towards winter weather.
