A major winter weather front, dubbed a 'snow bomb', is forecast to sweep across the UK this week, bringing significant disruption. The system is now predicted to be an eye-watering 330 miles wide, with snowfall likely across many regions on Friday, December 5.
Timeline and Worst-Hit Areas
According to projections from WX Charts, which uses Met Desk data, the Arctic air will begin to sweep across the country from around 3pm on December 5, with conditions worsening towards 6pm. The band of snow is forecast to spread from north Wales all the way up to Aviemore in Scotland by the evening.
Wales is expected to be among the areas worst-hit, particularly around Aberystwyth and northern parts of the country. The most severe accumulations could see up to five inches of snow dumped in northern Wales. Meanwhile, Scotland is also braced for a battering, with projections indicating around one inch of snow falling in various pockets.
Detailed Forecast and Broader Outlook
The immediate threat from this substantial snow front is clear, but the unsettled conditions are set to continue. The Met Office forecast from December 6 onwards indicates a continuation of volatile weather.
Their outlook explains: "Likely a continuation of the unsettled conditions seen for much of the week with further showers or some longer spells of rain affecting much of the country." It notes that on Saturday, a frontal zone could bring locally heavy rain, especially on hills exposed to strong southerly winds.
While brighter spells may follow, these will be accompanied by showers, some potentially heavy and thundery. The forecast also warns that more organised, locally heavy rain could move across most areas on Monday.
Travel and Safety Implications
With the snow predicted to arrive during Friday afternoon and evening, commuters and travellers are being urged to plan ahead. The combination of Arctic air and precipitation is likely to lead to hazardous conditions on roads and possibly disrupt public transport in the affected regions.
The Met Office adds that, during this unsettled spell, temperatures will generally be close to average but it will feel quite chilly in the often wet and breezy conditions. However, they state that frost or fog are unlikely to be widespread features in the coming days.
Residents in the warning areas, particularly across Wales and Scotland, are advised to stay updated with the latest local forecasts and travel information as Friday approaches.
