A significant blast of wintry weather is charting a course for the United Kingdom, with forecast models predicting heavy and disruptive snowfall for Thursday, 18 December.
Regions Braced for Snow Blanket
Weather data from WXCharts indicates that northern England, North Wales, western Scotland, and Northern Ireland are in line for the most substantial accumulations. Specific towns and cities such as Leeds, Preston, and Blackpool have been highlighted as potential targets for a covering of snow.
The wintry conditions are not expected to be a one-day event. Forecasters suggest the snow could persist into Friday, 19 December, particularly across parts of Scotland, prolonging potential travel difficulties.
Midlands Set for Rain Instead
In a stark contrast to the north, the Midlands is currently forecast to escape the snowfall in the direct run-up to Christmas. Instead, the region should prepare for a continuation of the very wet and windy conditions that have dominated recently. The primary concerns here will be localised flooding and blustery winds rather than ice and snow.
Unsettled Week Ahead Before the Cold Snap
The Met Office confirms the immediate outlook is for generally unsettled but relatively mild weather for early December. Sunday will see rain, possibly heavy, spreading northeast across the UK with strong winds, though it will be milder in the south.
Monday is expected to bring a brief respite, being somewhat drier and brighter nationwide, albeit with isolated showers. However, by Tuesday, conditions will deteriorate again, turning widely wet and windy for most. These unsettled conditions, featuring persistent rain and wind, are likely to hold in northern areas through Wednesday.
The overall theme for early December is one of mild yet highly unsettled weather, dominated by Atlantic-driven systems bringing rain and gales. The anticipated snow blast around the 18th marks a sharp, if temporary, shift to colder conditions from the north or east.
Residents in the affected northern regions are advised to monitor the latest forecasts from the Met Office as the potential snow event draws closer, considering its impact on travel plans just a week before Christmas.
