The United Kingdom is preparing for a significant cold snap, with forecasters upgrading earlier predictions to a severe -9C blizzard. Fourteen towns and cities across the nation are expected to bear the brunt of the harsh winter conditions.
Areas Set for the Worst of the Winter Onslaught
According to data from WX Charts, which utilises Met Desk information, the most severe impacts in England are anticipated in Birmingham, Blackpool, Stoke-on-Trent, Bradford, and Leeds. North of the border, Scotland is also set for a substantial covering, with Edinburgh, Perth, Stirling, Dunfermline, Dundee, Aberdeen, and Glasgow all in the firing line.
Wales is not expected to escape the wintry weather either. The GFS model indicates that Swansea and Cardiff could also be hit. In response to the developing situation, the Met Office has activated a 15-hour snow alert for Tuesday, November 18.
Deep Freeze: A Detailed Look at the Forecast
The cold is expected to be most intense in Central Scotland, where the Cairngorms area is forecast to plunge to temperatures between -8C and -9C. The chill will be widespread, with Northern Scotland facing lows of -4C, Staffordshire shivering at -4C, and Yorkshire dropping to a bone-chilling -5C.
The snow flurries are likely to commence on Tuesday, November 18, continuing into Wednesday, November 19, and Thursday, November 20. Jo Farrow, a forecaster from Netweather, provided insight into the week ahead, stating that a northerly flow will dominate.
She explained, "High pressure is out of the Atlantic... This flow has brought some showers to eastern Britain." Farrow added, "Northern Scotland will see several days of showers in the northerly flow and snow even to lower levels through this week." She also noted that a "small low caught in the flow will move down across the UK with a mix of rain, sleet and snow" on Tuesday, indicating a complex and widespread weather event.
Preparing for the Week Ahead
This significant weather upgrade means residents across the listed regions should prepare for disruptive snow, treacherous travel conditions, and extreme cold. The combination of blizzard conditions and sub-zero temperatures poses a serious risk, and the public is advised to stay updated with the latest forecasts and warnings from the Met Office.
