The UK is set for a dramatic shift to wintry conditions as a 'wall of snow' is forecast to arrive from tomorrow morning, Tuesday, November 18. Weather experts have pinpointed the exact hour the flurries are expected to begin, marking a stark change from the recent mild spell.
When and Where the Snow Will Strike
According to detailed maps from WX Charts, the first significant snowfall is anticipated to sweep across the country from 9am on Tuesday. The initial band of wintry precipitation is expected to target large swathes of northern England and Scotland.
Met Office meteorologist Simon Partridge has identified the five specific regions where snow is most likely to settle on Tuesday and into Wednesday. These are Scotland, Northern Ireland, the North Yorkshire Moors, west Wales, and the moors of southwest England.
Speaking to The Independent, Mr Partridge elaborated, stating, "On Tuesday, there is a small area of low pressure that is going to bring in a band of rain, sleet and hill snow."
A Sudden Shift to Seasonal Chill
This incoming cold snap signals a definitive end to the unseasonably mild weather that has characterised the first half of November, particularly in the south. Netweather TV's Nick Finnis confirmed the change, explaining that northerly winds will drag increasingly cold arctic air southwards across all parts of the UK.
Mr Finnis warned of widespread frost developing overnight under clear skies. He also indicated that snow is likely to fall and settle over higher ground in the north, with a possibility of it reaching lower levels at times from mid-week.
Looking Ahead: A Brief Cold Spell
The intense cold is not expected to last indefinitely. Forecasts suggest the severe conditions will begin to ease next weekend as winds shift to a more westerly direction. This change will allow milder Atlantic air to roll in, bringing with it the more familiar pattern of rain and windy weather.
However, meteorologists are monitoring a potential Sudden Stratospheric Warming event high over the polar region. This significant warming in the stratosphere could displace the polar vortex, a factor that can have significant implications for winter weather patterns in the weeks to come, though its effects are not expected to be felt immediately.
