The United Kingdom is preparing for its first significant taste of winter as forecasters predict an Arctic blast will send temperatures tumbling to a bitter -4C and deliver snow to more than 20 towns and villages.
Arctic Air Triggers Deep Freeze
Following the deluge brought by Storm Claudia, the Met Office has announced a dramatic shift in weather patterns. A surge of frigid Arctic air is expected to sweep across the nation, bringing a "reasonable chance" of snowfall and winter-like conditions. This cold snap is forecast to begin its descent from the north over the weekend.
The meteorological shift is driven by high pressure moving south towards the Azores, which will open the door for icy northerly winds. As this cold air mass spreads southwards, the Met Office cautions that temperatures will drop significantly, potentially falling "several degrees" below the seasonal average.
Weekly Snowfall and Temperature Plunge
The mercury is expected to drop to a shivering -4C in parts of Scotland in the early hours of Monday, November 17. The cold is then predicted to extend across the entire country.
By Tuesday, overnight temperatures could reach -2C in the North West of England, with widespread lows of 0-2C expected across central England and Scotland on Wednesday. The Met Office indicates a growing likelihood of sleet and snow, particularly over hills and mountains in Scotland, Northern Ireland, northern England, and possibly North Wales.
According to data from forecast site OpenWeather, the timeline for initial snow is set. Snow could arrive on Monday in parts of Scotland and the North East, move into areas of Wales on Tuesday, and potentially reach as far south as Gloucestershire. There is also a chance of snow in Northern Ireland by Wednesday.
Widespread Wintry Spell Expected
Looking towards the end of the week, the situation could become even more widespread. The Met Office has signalled that a "widespread wintry spell" could grip the UK, with even southern regions of the country potentially seeing snowfall.
The following towns, villages, and settlements have been identified as areas that could face snow this week, highlighting the extensive reach of this incoming cold front:
England: Morpeth, Albemarle, Sunderland, Crook, Loftus, Little Rissington, Shawbury.
Wales: Brecon, Llysdinam, Trawsgoed, Lake Vyrnwy, Capel Curig, Rhyl.
Scotland: Charterhall, Aberdeen, Kingussie, Inverness, Fort William, Dunvegan.
Residents across the UK are advised to prepare for the sudden onset of winter conditions, with the first flakes of the season signalling a sharp end to the autumn weather.