The Met Office has issued a stark warning that 29 specific areas across the United Kingdom are set to face snow tomorrow, Thursday, marking what could be the season's final significant flurries. New weather maps indicate that the north of the country, along with large parts of England, will be affected.
Areas on High Alert
The forecast identifies a long list of regions at risk. In Scotland, residents in Angus, Perth and Kinross, Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, Moray, Na h-Eileanan Siar, Highland, Orkney Islands, Shetland Islands, and Argyll and Bute should prepare for wintry conditions.
Across England, the following areas are on the list:
- Darlington
- Durham
- Gateshead
- Hartlepool
- Middlesbrough
- Newcastle upon Tyne
- North Tyneside
- Northumberland
- Redcar and Cleveland
- South Tyneside
- Stockton-on-Tees
- Sunderland
- East Riding of Yorkshire
- Kingston upon Hull
- North Yorkshire
In Wales, the counties of Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire, and Swansea are also expected to be hit.
Potential for Widespread Disruption
The Met Office has highlighted a significant risk of disruption as wintry showers move southwards through Wednesday and Thursday. An amber alert is in place for Yorkshire, where the snow could be at its worst.
Official guidance states there is a "small chance that untreated pavements and cycle paths become impassable". The public is also warned of a slight chance of delays or cancellations to bus and train services, potential road closures, and longer journey times.
Beyond travel, the forecast warns of a small chance of injuries from slips and falls on icy surfaces and a slight chance of power cuts, which could also affect mobile phone coverage.
Detailed Forecast for Wales and South West
The Met Office provided specific details for southwestern regions, noting that wintry showers will feed southwards across southwest Wales and parts of Devon and Cornwall on brisk northerly winds.
While some places may see little lying snow, the Met Office indicated that accumulations of 2-5 cm are possible where showers are most frequent, with isolated spots potentially seeing up to 10 cm, especially on hills above 200 metres in Pembrokeshire and west Carmarthenshire.
The forecast also warns of gusty winds, hail, and a risk of ice as snow partially thaws and refreezes overnight.
