The Met Office's projections hint at colder-than-average conditions looming over the upcoming days in the UK, fueling speculations of potential snowfall.
The pervasive question on everyone's mind revolves around the prospect of snow. With temperatures set to decrease over the weekend of November 25th and 26th, a frosty reception is expected, potentially paving the way for snow next week.
Last night marked the coldest Autumn 2023 night yet, with England, Wales, and Northern Ireland registering their lowest temperatures. Despite the forecast promising "plenty of autumnal sunshine" on November 25th, a cold chill will envelop the UK. As night falls, isolated showers along North Sea coasts are expected, accompanied by widespread frost and isolated freezing fog patches. Meanwhile, western areas might experience rising temperatures as clouds roll in with light rain.
Looking ahead to November 26th, the day will commence with a frosty start in the east, evolving into cloud cover and rain progressing eastwards throughout the day. Scotland anticipates drier spells with intermittent showers in the Northern Isles. The cold spell is expected to persist into the early part of the following week, with nightly frost and the gradual easing of rain showers by Monday. Tuesday and Wednesday could bring brighter skies.
Met Office meteorologist Annie Shuttleworth forecasts temperatures plummeting to -5C or even -7C in northwestern England and the South, reaching -4C in rural areas of Wales on Saturday morning. She anticipates a sunny but crisp start to the weekend, with intermittent showers in Norfolk and northern Scotland.
As for the much-anticipated snowfall, the Met Office suggests the possibility of snow by the end of November or early December 2023. The long-range forecast for November 29th to December 8th hints at sporadic episodes of rain, sleet, and potential hill snow across the country. Northern and eastern coastal districts might experience sleet and snow showers, with a chance of more widespread snow from the south, possibly accompanied by strong winds or gales, especially in southern areas.
The forecast speculates on continued colder-than-average conditions, with a potential shift towards slightly warmer temperatures towards the period's end. This forecast encourages a winter wardrobe with warmer gear, as colder weather seems persistent, with potential for snowfall in certain areas. Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist Dan Harris projects a return to cold yet tranquil conditions post a brief unsettled phase. The outlook hints at rain or wintry showers over eastern areas, possibly turning wintry over elevated terrains.
Harris underscores the potential for more unsettled weather patterns, with the likelihood of rain moving from the west to the east, possibly bringing snow over higher terrains. However, he also indicates the possibility of a more active weather system approaching from the southwest, potentially introducing widespread rain, stronger winds, and significant snowfall, contingent on sufficiently cold air prevailing over the UK ahead of its arrival. Photo by Jason Yates, Wikimedia commons.