Snow is on its way back to the UK, and foretellers are advising of a fresh Arctic blast that could bring wintry conditions to the corridor of the Midlands, Northwest, and northern regions.
Weather charts show that Saturday, 6 December, is likely to see the first major snowfall of the month.
Up to seven inches of snow could fall as a band of intensifying low pressure reaches across the country from the northwest, sluggishly moving south.
Temperatures have been a little milder since last week’s cold snap, which brought snow as far south as London, but early December is set to bring a sharp chill.
UK Snowfall Predictions: Where the Snow Will Land?
According to Metdesk, snow could linger for a couple of days. Charts show white patches stretching as far south as the Cotswolds on the morning of 6 December.
The thickest snowfalls are anticipated in the Scottish mounds, Cumbria, and Staffordshire, where accumulations of over seven inches are prognosticated. Lighter dustings may appear in Wales, the Northwest, and other northern areas.
While these winter showers may look dramatic, experts say it’s unlikely to continue long enough to deliver a white Christmas.
Historically, over half of UK Christmas Days have seen some snowfall, but this time’s wintry rainfall is anticipated to be short-lived.
Arctic Blast Brings Cold, Rain, and Flood Risks
Temperatures are forecast to rise again after the Arctic storm passes. Following last week’s freeze, parts of the country, such as near Preston in Lancashire, recorded highs of 11.7°C on Monday.
But the days leading up to 6 December will remain cold and wet, with rain dominating until temperatures drop low enough for snow.
Nick Finnis of Netweather warned: “Highest rainfall totals across the west next week, where we could see well in excess of 100mm fall, also could be quite wet across the far south, as secondary lows run across here.
So we may start to see an increase in flooding issues in the west and perhaps the far south. Spring tides end of next week / following weekend could bring a risk of coastal flooding too, should there be strong winds.”
The BBC Weather forecast for 1–7 December notes: “A weakening front or two could bring a little rain farther southwards and eastwards, so it’s unlikely to be completely dry.
The risk to the forecast is that high pressure will position itself differently, more strongly over Scandinavia, for example, which would mean chances of colder flows developing.”
How UK Residents Should Prepare?
For people living in affected areas, the advice is simple: prepare for icy roads, wintry showers, and potential trip dislocation.
Snowfall prognostications suggest the Midlands, Northwest, and northern regions should keep a close eye on original updates, while lighter snow in other areas could still beget slippery conditions.
With an Arctic blast approaching, downtime apparel, home heating checks, and trip mindfulness will be essential.
While it may not be a full-on white Christmas across the UK, this spell is a timely reminder that downtime rainfall can strike snappily and suddenly.
