The United Kingdom is preparing for a significant winter weather event, with forecasters predicting a colossal snowstorm stretching an astonishing 719 miles across the nation. From Brighton on the south coast all the way to Wick in the far north of Scotland, a wide band of snow is expected to blanket the country in early January.
Maps Turn Purple as Snow Vortex Approaches
According to projections from WX Charts, which utilises data from the Met Desk, weather maps for January 2 have turned a deep purple, indicating heavy snowfall. The charts show a vast vortex of purple, blue, and white spreading across the UK, signifying the impending wall of snow. While accumulations will vary, the most intense conditions are predicted for Scotland, where snow could fall at a rate of one inch per hour, with temperatures plunging to a bitter -2°C.
This is not just a concern for traditional winter hotspots. While the Scottish Highlands are naturally at risk, the projections suggest southern counties including Kent, Sussex, and Hampshire are equally in line for a covering of the white stuff. By midnight on January 5, it is expected that snow will have settled widely across the country.
Short-Term Outlook: Cloud and Frost Before the Storm
Before the major snow event, the BBC Weather forecast offers a mixed picture for the immediate days. For Boxing Day, east Scotland and north-east England will see cloud, with some brightness possible later. Central-southern and south-west England will also be cloudy, while elsewhere can expect a crisp and bright day.
The outlook for Saturday, December 27th, suggests "a cloudy day across much of the UK tomorrow with very little brightness around." Far western areas and all of Northern Ireland may see some wintry sunshine, with brisk winds in the east and far south.
Sunday to Tuesday: Persistent Cloud and Patchy Fog
Looking further ahead from Sunday to Tuesday, the forecast indicates that much of the UK will remain mostly cloudy. Northern Scotland and far western areas might see more brightness, but patches of fog could linger in Scotland. Monday will bring plenty of cloud for most, with the best chance of brightness in the north and west, and some early drizzle possible in the far north. Conditions are then expected to turn brighter for many by Tuesday.
This period of settled, often cloudy weather is set to be dramatically interrupted by the significant snowstorm forecast to sweep the nation from south to north at the start of the new year, prompting residents and transport authorities to prepare for potentially disruptive conditions.
