Met Office Weather Maps Predict Snowstorm for Valentine's Day Weekend
Newly released weather maps from the Met Office indicate a substantial snowstorm is set to impact the United Kingdom over the Valentine's Day weekend. The wintery conditions are forecast to commence in the early evening on Saturday, February 14, and persist through to Sunday, bringing flurries of snow across most of the country.
Timeline of the Snowstorm's Progression
The initial snowfall is expected to begin around 6pm on Saturday, primarily affecting Northern Ireland, Wales, and southern England. As the evening progresses, the band of snow will extend northwards, reaching Scotland and parts of northern England by late Saturday night.
By midnight, the storm is projected to have engulfed most of Scotland, including major cities such as Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Dumfries. Additionally, areas like Birmingham, Kendal, and Manchester are anticipated to experience snowfall during this period.
Continued Impact into Sunday Morning
The snowstorm will continue its sweep across the UK in the early hours of Sunday, February 15. Locations including York and Newcastle-Upon-Tyne are forecast to see snowfall starting around 3am. Hours later, London may also encounter some snow between 6am and 9am on Sunday morning.
According to the Met Office, the snowstorm is predicted to depart by midday on Sunday, leaving behind only rainfall for certain parts of the country for the remainder of the day.
Existing Weather Warnings and Potential Disruptions
These new maps follow the issuance of two yellow weather warnings for snow and ice, which have been in effect for Scotland and northern England from Thursday through to Friday afternoon. The warning zones encompass areas such as Manchester, Sheffield, Leeds, York, Durham, Carlisle, and Newcastle.
The Met Office warns that outbreaks of rain, sleet, and snow are likely to cause disruptions to travel and road surfaces. There is also a potential risk of injuries from slips and falls due to the icy conditions. Residents are advised to stay updated on the latest forecasts and exercise caution during this period of adverse weather.