Meteorological data indicates that the anticipated major snow event for the United Kingdom has been brought forward in the forecast, with a prolonged period of wintry weather now expected to commence earlier than initially predicted.
Revised Forecast Timeline
According to the latest maps from WX Charts, which utilises data from the Met Desk, significant snowfall is now projected to begin impacting parts of the country from Thursday, February 13. This represents a notable shift from earlier modelling, which had suggested the main snow event would not arrive until around the weekend of February 15 and 16.
Extended Duration and Impact
The forecast suggests this weather system could deliver a continuous five-day period of snowfall across England, starting the day before Valentine's Day and persisting through to Tuesday, February 17. During this time, some regions could experience snowfall rates of up to 20 millimetres per hour.
Areas anticipated to be most affected include north Wales, the Midlands, and the East of England. Temperatures across the UK are forecast to plummet, potentially dropping to between 0°C and -3°C, creating conditions conducive to settling snow and icy hazards.
National Snow Cover Projection
By the early hours of Monday, February 16, weather maps indicate that large swathes of the country could be blanketed in snow. The charts show extensive purple shading, which signifies snow cover, extending across nearly the whole of the UK. While the south of England may see drier conditions by Tuesday, February 17, the Midlands and northern regions are expected to remain in the grip of this wintry spell.
Immediate Weather Outlook
In the shorter term, the BBC Weather forecast for Tuesday, February 10, describes a predominantly cloudy day with persistent rain in the north-east and patchier showers further south. The outlook from Wednesday onwards introduces colder conditions, with the potential for rain to turn to snow and sleet, particularly over higher ground in the northeast.
The forecast continues, noting that Thursday is expected to be drier but noticeably colder, with wintry showers likely confined to the far north. A northerly airflow is then predicted to maintain showery conditions into Friday, primarily affecting northern areas, setting the stage for the more significant snow event forecast for the following week.
