Valentine's Day Blizzard Set to Blanket Vast Majority of UK
Startling new weather maps indicate that a staggering 95 per cent of the United Kingdom could be covered in snow following a severe blizzard expected to commence on Valentine's Day this weekend. The meteorological data forecasts several inches of accumulation across numerous regions, with major urban centres including London, Birmingham, and Manchester all in the firing line.
Timeline of the Wintry Onslaught
According to the GFS weather model, the initial snowfall is projected to begin at approximately 9pm on Saturday, February 14th. The south-west of England, sections of Wales, western Scotland, and the entirety of Northern Ireland are anticipated to experience the first flurries as a potent storm system advances from the Atlantic Ocean.
By midnight on Valentine's Day, the snow is expected to extend across the entire length of the UK, spanning roughly 600 miles from the southern coast of England to the far northern reaches of Scotland. Cities such as Glasgow, Manchester, Birmingham, and Cardiff should all witness significant snowfall around this time.
The storm is then forecast to continue moving eastward, engulfing almost all of central England and parts of the southern regions by 3am. London may begin to see snow from around this period, although the most intense precipitation is predicted for Scotland.
Sunday Morning Brings Continued Disruption
At 6am on Sunday, meteorological maps suggest East Anglia and the south-east will confront heavier snow, with wintry showers still affecting London. The Pennines and the north-east of England also appear to be targeted areas for substantial snowfall.
Snow coverage maps illustrate that by 9am on Sunday, approximately 95 per cent of the UK will be shaded, indicating snow settled on the ground. Only the far south-west of England is expected to miss out on the accumulation.
Projected Snow Depth and Accumulations
Snow depth charts reveal the most significant accumulations will occur in the Scottish mountains, where up to 24 centimetres (nine inches) is possible. Parts of northern England could see around 6 centimetres (two inches), with Wales potentially receiving 4 centimetres (1.5 inches) and the Midlands approximately 2 centimetres (0.7 inches).
Official Forecasts from BBC Weather and Met Office
BBC Weather suggests snow could fall in various locations on both Saturday and Sunday. Their forecast states: "A crisp, bright day on Saturday, excluding some lingering wintry showers on east coasts in the morning. Turning cloudier in the west later in the afternoon and evening. Overnight and into Sunday morning, turning windy as a band of rain moves in from the west, falling as snow initially. Sunday afternoon and Monday will see a mix of sunny spells and showers."
BBC Weather also anticipates some snow on Friday, adding: "Tomorrow, rain across the south of England and Wales with a chance for snow over the hills. Cold in Scotland and North England with sunny spells and snow showers. Dry and bright for Northern Ireland."
The Met Office expects snow around the coasts on Friday, noting: "Rain continues to move southwards with Northern Ireland and Scotland seeing some sunshine. Snow showers around the coasts. Staying cloudy and wet across the south but eventually clearing later."
The national weather agency has warned that "widespread" snow is likely on Sunday. Its forecast elaborates: "Bright skies with sunny spells on Saturday but feeling much colder than in recent days. Turning wetter on Sunday with widespread snow likely across the north. Unsettled into next week."
This significant weather event promises to transform the Valentine's Day weekend into a wintry spectacle, with travel disruptions and hazardous conditions anticipated across nearly the entire nation.
