Britain is preparing for a significant winter chill as weather experts predict widespread snowfall across numerous parts of the country within weeks. Fresh data indicates that a cold snap originating from the north could blanket as many as 25 counties in snow, signalling a potent start to the winter season.
Forecasted Snowfall and Affected Regions
According to meteorological experts at WXCharts, who utilise data from MetDesk, chilly winds are expected to sweep across the UK starting November 23. The forecast maps suggest that Scotland will experience the most severe conditions. The Highlands and parts of Aberdeenshire could see snow accumulations of between 18 to 20 centimetres.
The snow is predicted to build up from Inverness to Perth, with some flurries also anticipated in the central belt, which includes major cities like Edinburgh and Glasgow. However, the cold weather will not be confined to Scotland. Parts of England, including the Pennines and Cumbria, are also in the firing line.
Full List of Counties on Snow Alert
The detailed forecast from WXCharts identifies 25 specific counties expected to be affected by the incoming snow. The list encompasses areas across all four nations of the UK.
Scotland:
- Aberdeenshire (coastal and inland)
- Angus
- Argyll and Bute
- Dumfries and Galloway
- Fife
- Highland (Inverness area)
- Moray
- Perth and Kinross
- Stirling
England:
- Cheshire
- County Durham
- Cumbria
- Derbyshire (Peak District area)
- Greater Manchester
- Lancashire
- North Yorkshire
- Northumberland
- Shropshire
- West Yorkshire
Wales:
- Gwynedd
- Powys
Northern Ireland:
- County Antrim
- County Londonderry
- County Down
Temperature Drop and Official Outlook
Accompanying the snow, a sharp drop in temperatures is expected. Weather maps indicate that on November 23, maximum temperatures in the Highlands could hover around a frigid -1°C to -2°C. Northern England is expected to see temperatures between 0°C and 3°C, while the South East will be considerably warmer at 4°C to 7°C.
The Met Office has corroborated the possibility of snow later this month, particularly over higher ground. In its forecast for the period from November 24 to December 8, the national weather service stated that while patterns are uncertain, there is a greater chance of high pressure. This could bring more dry weather but also increases the risk of overnight frost and fog.
The Met Office added, "There will probably still be some spells of rain, showers, and stronger winds though, especially in the west. Hill snow is also a possibility, mainly in the north." They concluded that near or slightly above average temperatures are most likely overall, but colder spells remain possible.
