The United Kingdom is preparing for a significant wintry blast, with forecast maps indicating heavy snowfall will hit all four Home Nations, potentially reaching as far south as Cornwall. Projections from WX Charts, which uses Met Desk data, show a widespread snow event on Friday, December 12.
Timeline of the Wintry Blast
The first flakes are predicted to arrive at midnight on December 12, initially affecting Scotland, Northern Ireland, and the south west coast of England. By 6am, the snow is expected to extend into North Wales and the Midlands, where it could fall at a rate of up to 1cm per hour.
During this period, the most intense accumulations are forecast for Scotland. Up to 20cm of snow could build up on high ground, creating potentially difficult travel conditions. By midday, the heaviest snowfall in Scotland is projected to shift east, covering areas to the west and north of Aberdeen, while lighter flurries may persist over parts of Mid Wales.
Areas at Risk of Snowfall
The forecast has identified a specific list of regions across the UK that are most at risk from this cold snap. The areas highlighted include locations in every nation.
In England and Wales: Cornwall, Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Conwy, Gwynedd, and Powys.
In Scotland: Aberdeenshire, Argyll and Bute, Highland, and Moray.
Short-Term Weather Outlook
In the immediate days leading up to the potential snow event, the Met Office forecast indicates unsettled conditions. For Tuesday, December 2, sunny spells will be interrupted by scattered, heavy showers in the south and west, possibly featuring hail and thunder. It will feel noticeably colder than Monday.
The showers are expected to spread northwards on Tuesday evening, bringing a risk of icy stretches and a patchy frost overnight, particularly in northern areas.
The forecast for Wednesday, December 3, suggests a continuation of sunshine and showers, with some heavy downpours. Conditions are likely to be drier in the east. Looking ahead to Thursday through Saturday, further spells of rain and showers are predicted across the country, with a risk of fog patches on Friday morning. Temperatures are expected to remain around the seasonal average in the lead-up to the colder plunge.
