The Met Office has issued a stark warning that winter is far from over, with fresh weather maps pinpointing the exact times snow is expected to batter Britain in the coming days. Forecasters are predicting a significant cold snap, during which temperatures could feel as frigid as -9C in parts of south Wales and northern England, underscoring a dramatic shift from recent milder conditions.
Snowfall Scenarios and Timing
According to the latest meteorological data, snow is forecast to fall on Wednesday afternoon and evening, primarily affecting areas above 100 metres in southern regions. The Met Office acknowledges some uncertainty regarding the precise locations of the heaviest snowfall, but confidence remains high that wintry weather will impact the UK.
Most Likely Scenario
Meteorologist Annie Shuttleworth explained the primary forecast: "As colder air mixes with an area of low pressure, there is a risk of snow across southern areas. The most likely scenario involves the low pressure moving through the English Channel, bringing snow to parts of south Wales and southern England, while heavy rain is expected in the southwest and far south coast."
This scenario suggests the bulk of the snow will concentrate in the Southwest of England, extending no further north than Herefordshire in the Midlands overnight. Flurries could reach as far east as Surrey, with more than five inches of snow anticipated in just three hours across Exmoor and parts of Somerset.
Alternative Forecast
Shuttleworth outlined a less probable but possible alternative: "There's also a chance this area of low pressure moves slightly further north by around 50 miles. That would shift the snow risk into parts of north Wales, the Midlands, and Northern Ireland, with many southern areas seeing heavy rain instead."
In this case, stronger easterly winds are forecast to batter the south coast, including Dorset, throughout Wednesday night, adding to the inclement conditions.
Weather Graphics and Regional Impacts
The Met Office's detailed weather graphics illustrate the expected corridors of snowfall. The primary graphic shows wintry weather targeting large swathes of the Southwest of England, the Home Counties, and south Wales. A secondary graphic depicts the alternative scenario with snow extending further north.
Thursday is predicted to remain wet, particularly across southern England, with temperatures feeling as bitter as -5C in northern England. This marks a stark contrast to recent days, where temperatures exceeded 11C in locations like Gosport, Hampshire, highlighting the sudden return of winter's grip.
Forecasters urge residents in affected regions to stay updated on warnings and prepare for potential travel disruptions and cold conditions as this cold snap unfolds.
