The United Kingdom is preparing for the impact of a significant winter weather system, with forecasts indicating a massive 650-mile-wide storm is heading directly for its shores.
Storm Timeline and Key Details
According to detailed predictions from WXCharts, the intense storm is scheduled to make landfall on Tuesday, December 9. This major weather event is expected to be a prolonged affair, lasting for approximately 24 hours and continuing its movement into Wednesday, December 10.
The sheer scale of this system is notable, as the 650-mile front will blanket the entire country. It will stretch from the northernmost tip of Scotland all the way down to the southern coast of England, ensuring a widespread impact.
Expected Impact and Progression
The storm will commence with a potent mix of rain and snow, starting at a precipitation rate of 5mm per hour. This initial phase is predicted to begin in Perth and Kinross in Scotland before tracking down the nation's west coast.
Meteorologists warn that the situation will intensify dramatically by Tuesday evening. The UK weather forecast predicts that snowfall and rainfall rates will accelerate to a peak of 30mm per hour across Scotland, with this severe intensity then moving over the eastern coastline.
Official Outlook and Further Warnings
The Met Office long-range outlook for early December confirms that low pressure will dominate, creating conditions ripe for strong, gusty winds to develop at various times. While the overall temperature is expected to be around the seasonal average, colder conditions may briefly affect northern areas.
Regarding the highest snowfall risk, the Met Office indicates that the most disruptive snow will likely be confined to northern high ground. Other regions, particularly in the south, should brace for heavy rainfall instead. Furthermore, the forecast highlights the potential for a widespread frost to form overnight in any areas where clearer conditions develop.