The United Kingdom is preparing for a significant cold snap, with dramatic new weather data indicating a 454-mile stretch of snow could sweep across the nation. Forecasts suggest that all 48 of England's ceremonial counties are at risk of wintry conditions from Tuesday, November 18, as temperatures are expected to plunge dramatically.
Nationwide Snow Risk and Key Areas
According to maps from WX Charts, which utilise the GFS model, a substantial swathe of the country faces disruption from the snow. The band of wintry weather is projected to stretch from Cornwall in the south-west all the way to Cumbria in the north-west. Every region is potentially affected, from the south coast counties of Devon and Cornwall to eastern areas like Suffolk and Norfolk.
However, the brunt of the severe conditions is anticipated to hit northern regions and Scotland. Counties such as Cumbria, Northumberland, Durham, and the Pennines are expected to see some of the heaviest accumulations. In a slight reprieve, areas like Country Antrim and Down in Northern Ireland, along with Ayrshire and Dumfries and Galloway in Scotland, may escape the worst of the snowfall.
Weather Agency Alerts and The Week Ahead
The BBC Weather team has confirmed that a colder pattern will set in for the coming week, bringing with it the risk of wintry precipitation in many places. In response to the forecasted freeze, the UK Health and Security Agency has issued cold and amber heat health alerts, urging the public to take necessary precautions.
Despite the imminent cold snap, there is hope for a return to milder conditions. The BBC's longer-range forecast suggests that for the rest of November, the weather remains in a delicate balance. High pressure is expected to shift, which should usher in a milder, albeit more unsettled, week with occasional low-pressure systems bringing bouts of wet and windy weather.
Precipitation levels are predicted to be near or slightly above average for the time of year, with most of it falling as rain. While temperatures will be variable, they are expected to average near to slightly above normal overall. The forecast indicates that mild days will likely outweigh brief colder intervals, though these chillier spells could still bring wintry showers over northern high ground, most likely in Scotland.
