Britain is set for a sharp turn towards winter next week as new meteorological data predicts three consecutive days of snowfall across parts of the country.
Which Areas Are Expected to See Snow?
Advanced weather modelling from WXCharts indicates that a wintry spell will hit between Friday, December 5, and Sunday, December 7. The forecast suggests a total of ten counties in England and Scotland will be affected.
The most widespread disruption is expected on Saturday, December 6. Several northern English counties, including Northumberland, County Durham, North Yorkshire, and West Yorkshire, are likely to see significant snow that could cause travel problems.
On the same day, a large swathe of Scotland is also in line for considerable snowfall. The Scottish counties forecast to be impacted are Aberdeenshire, Moray, Highland, Angus, Perth and Kinross, and Stirling.
Current Weather Warnings and Long-Range Outlook
While snow is on the horizon, the immediate focus remains on very wet and windy conditions. The Met Office has issued several severe weather warnings for heavy rain and coastal gales across England, Wales, and southern Scotland.
One particularly serious alert is an amber rain warning for central and south Wales, which has been labelled a "danger to life." This affects cities like Cardiff, Swansea, and Newport. Multiple yellow rain warnings are also in force across other regions until 9 pm tonight.
Looking further ahead, the Met Office's long-range outlook suggests any snow next week will primarily settle on higher ground. They anticipate generally unsettled conditions to continue, with a weakening weather front bringing more cloud, patchy rain, and drizzle to northern and eastern areas.
Preparing for the Winter Shift
The forecast serves as a clear signal that winter is tightening its grip. Residents in the affected counties are advised to stay updated with the latest forecasts from the Met Office and plan journeys accordingly, especially for the weekend of December 6-7.
For the earlier part of the snowy period, on December 5 and 7, the wintry conditions are expected to be mostly confined to Scotland, with England seeing continued wet weather.
This shift follows a week of similarly unsettled conditions and underscores the volatile nature of the UK's autumn-to-winter transition.
