The United Kingdom is preparing for a significant winter weather event, with forecasters predicting a prolonged period of snowfall lasting for 21 hours across the nation. The disruptive weather is set to arrive on Monday, December 15, and continue into Tuesday, December 16.
Which Areas Will Be Worst Affected?
According to data from WX Charts, which utilises Met Desk information and the GFS modelling system, the heaviest snow is anticipated in Scotland. Galloway Forest Park is expected to be the worst-hit location in the country.
In England, several counties are in line for a hammering from the snow. The affected regions include:
- Parts of the Lake District and Pennines
- Cumbria and Durham
- Northumberland
- Yorkshire (both West and North)
By 3pm on December 15, North Wales, particularly Snowdonia, is predicted to be covered in heavy snow. The flurries are then forecast to intensify and persist for a full 21 hours, leading to a widespread blanket of snow settling across North Wales, Northern Ireland, northern England, and nearly all of Scotland.
The Broader Weather Outlook
Looking at the immediate days ahead, Netweather TV provides a mixed forecast. Wednesday is expected to bring sunshine and showers nationwide, with drier spells likely away from the south and west.
Unsettled conditions will persist into Thursday, with a band of rain moving southwest to northeast across the UK. Brighter skies will follow, though showers will remain, especially in western regions. Temperatures are predicted to stay around the seasonal average.
A key feature to watch is the potential development of fog by Friday morning, which could significantly impact the morning commute. Patchy rain and coastal showers will continue into Friday before the next band of rain arrives from the southwest.
An Active Weekend Ahead
The weekend looks particularly lively. Saturday is shaping up to be an active day with numerous showers, some merging into longer spells of rain, all driven by low pressure overhead. A brief respite is likely on Sunday with fewer showers, but the unsettled theme continues as yet another band of rain is expected to arrive from the southwest.
Residents across the UK, especially in the highlighted counties and regions, are advised to monitor the latest weather updates and prepare for potential travel disruption as the significant snow event approaches next week.
