The Met Office has issued a significant weather warning for snow across extensive areas of the United Kingdom, with the alert expected to last for twelve hours in the coming days. Forecasters are predicting that rain moving northwards across England will increasingly transition to snowfall over higher terrain during the afternoon and evening.
Detailed Forecast and Expected Impact
The meteorological service has indicated that snow will persist overnight and into Friday morning. However, the altitude at which snow settles is anticipated to rise steadily above the level of most major trans-Pennine routes during the early hours of Friday. While some sleet or snow may temporarily reach lower levels this evening, accumulating snow is most probable above 250 to 300 metres, with up to 5 centimetres possible in these areas.
Regional Accumulation Predictions
Much of this snow is expected to melt during Friday morning after the warning period concludes. Notably, locations situated above 500 metres could experience more substantial accumulations, potentially reaching between 5 and 15 centimetres. This warning follows recent snowfall that has already blanketed parts of the East Midlands, indicating a continued period of wintry conditions.
Areas Under the Snow Warning
The Met Office has specified numerous regions that fall within the scope of this weather alert. The affected areas include:
- East Midlands: Derbyshire
- North East England: Durham, Northumberland
- North West England: Cheshire East, Cumbria, Greater Manchester, Lancashire
- Yorkshire & Humber: North Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, West Yorkshire
Residents in these regions are advised to stay informed about the latest weather developments and prepare for potential travel disruptions and hazardous conditions. The forecast highlights the variability of winter weather across different altitudes and geographical areas of the country.
