The United Kingdom is preparing for a significant cold snap as forecasters project the return of Arctic conditions and widespread snowfall. New data indicates the snowy weather will expand across more parts of the country in the coming days.
When and Where the Snow Will Hit
According to projections from WX Charts, which utilises Met Desk data, the wintry downturn is likely to begin around Saturday, November 29. The first flurries are expected from 9am on that day, with up to 4cm of snow settling in some regions.
Advanced modelling using the GFS model pinpoints specific areas at risk. In England, the snow is forecast for nine counties, including Staffordshire, Derbyshire, Cumbria, Northumberland, Durham, Cheshire, Lancashire, Greater Manchester, and Yorkshire. Key geographical features like the Pennines, Lake District, and Snowdonia are also in line for a dusting.
The impacts extend beyond England. In Wales, areas such as Bangor are expected to be affected. Scotland is set for the heaviest snowfall, with locations including Penrith, Kendal, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Dundee, and Inverness on alert. Notably, northern Scotland could see up to 8cm of snow.
Understanding the Weather Patterns
Meteorologists are closely monitoring complex atmospheric developments. A blog post from Netweather TV explained the uncertainty, stating: "Models differ over whether or when the low engages shortwave trough arriving from the west and strong diffluence aloft."
The forecast suggests a spell of heavy rain is possible moving northeast across the southern UK on Saturday. However, the broader trend is for conditions to remain unsettled, windy, and mild as the UK heads into the first week of December.
This shift is attributed to the tropospheric polar vortex organising and strengthening to the northwest. This will drive a strong westerly flow across the North Atlantic, resulting in a powerful jet stream aimed directly at the UK and Ireland, set to strengthen as the week progresses.
Residents in the affected areas are advised to stay updated with the latest forecasts and prepare for potential travel disruption as the Arctic weather makes its return.
