Parts of the United Kingdom are bracing for a pre-Christmas whiteout, with forecasters warning of blizzard conditions set to sweep across several towns and cities this week. New weather maps indicate significant snowfall arriving from Sunday, 21st December, potentially disrupting travel and daily routines during the festive run-up.
Which Areas Are Set for Snow and Ice?
According to detailed projections from WXCHARTS, the wintry weather will push unusually far south. Snow is expected to reach Birmingham and Swansea by 9am on Sunday morning. Simultaneously, northern regions like Leeds in Yorkshire are also forecast to be impacted. The maps suggest a broad swathe of the country will be affected, with temperatures potentially plunging to around 4°C on December 21st.
The Met Office has echoed these predictions, highlighting the prospect of "rather wintry" conditions over the coming weekend amidst generally unsettled weather patterns. A spokesperson for the national weather service indicated a shift is likely as Christmas nears, with high pressure potentially building closer to the UK.
Met Office Forecast and Warnings
In its outlook for the period from Wednesday 18th to Friday 27th December, the Met Office cautions that the west and northwest could face persistent showers and rain. However, any accumulating snow is initially expected to be mostly confined to higher ground in the north. The forecast also warns of strong winds with a risk of gales, particularly in coastal areas and over elevated terrain.
"Whilst the chance of impactful rain or strong winds should reduce, there may be an increasing incidence of overnight frost and fog," explained the Met Office. "The latter perhaps taking its time to clear, given the time of year." As the period progresses, conditions are predicted to become more settled but colder, with drier weather increasing the likelihood of persistent frost and fog.
Full List of Locations Under Snow Forecast
Residents in the following towns and cities have been advised to stay updated on the latest weather warnings and prepare for potential disruptions:
- Chester
- Newport
- Crewe
- Macclesfield
- Warrington
- Workington
- Stoke
- Stafford
- Walsall
- Burton
- Birmingham
- Telford
- Leeds
- Bradford
- Halifax
- Blackburn
With the festive period fast approaching, travellers and residents in these areas are urged to monitor official forecasts from the Met Office and plan their journeys accordingly, as the wintry snap could lead to hazardous conditions on roads and pavements.
