Met Office Snow Warning: Exact Times and Expected Impacts Across the West Midlands
The Met Office has issued a significant weather alert, forecasting snow to fall across the West Midlands and adjacent areas this week. A yellow warning for snow is now in effect, covering the Midlands, Oxfordshire, Gloucestershire, and Wales, with the potential for substantial accumulations and travel chaos.
Timing and Details of the Snow Warning
The snow warning will be active from 4pm on Wednesday, February 18, until 6am on Thursday, February 19. During this period, up to 15 centimetres of snow could accumulate in some locations, particularly on higher ground. Temperatures are expected to plummet and remain well below the seasonal average, exacerbating the wintry conditions.
Potential Travel Disruption and Hazards
Travelers across the region should prepare for significant disruptions. The Met Office has highlighted risks of delays on roads, railways, and at airports due to the snowfall. In southern England, rain is predicted to be the primary hazard, but in the Midlands and Wales, the interaction of colder air with a developing low-pressure system could cause rain to transition to snow, especially above 100 metres elevation.
"One of the key uncertainties this week concerns whether the developing low-pressure system could bring snowfall across some southern areas of the UK," stated the Met Office. "Because colder air is already in place, the exact track of the low will determine whether rain transitions to snow."
Weather Outlook for Thursday and Beyond
By Thursday, February 19, the low-pressure system is expected to move into Europe, allowing high pressure to rebuild over northern parts of the UK. This shift will bring drier conditions to Scotland, Northern Ireland, and northern England, with brighter spells emerging in the afternoon. However, any lingering snow is likely to melt once the sun appears.
Despite the clearing skies, temperatures will stay notably low, around 3 to 5 degrees Celsius below the norm for late February. The Met Office added, "Even with some sunshine, the cold air mass will keep conditions feeling distinctly wintry."
Key Points to Remember
- Warning Duration: 4pm Wednesday to 6am Thursday.
- Affected Areas: West Midlands, Oxfordshire, Gloucestershire, Wales.
- Snow Accumulation: Up to 15cm possible, especially on higher ground.
- Travel Impact: Expect delays on roads, railways, and at airports.
- Temperature Drop: Significantly below average for this time of year.
Residents and commuters are advised to stay updated on the latest forecasts and plan accordingly to navigate the challenging weather conditions safely.
