Britain is set to experience a significant cold snap this week as an Arctic blast moves across the country, bringing snow, ice, and sub-zero temperatures. The freezing conditions are expected to last from February 14 to 17, affecting large parts of the UK with snowfall and a sharp drop in temperatures.
The latest forecast, according to WXCharts, which utilises MetDesk data, shows that snowfall could impact areas from the Scottish Highlands to Derbyshire, while parts of northern England will also see heavy snow showers. Meanwhile, southern regions are expected to experience rainfall rather than snow, with the Met Office warning of icy conditions and strong winds.
Snowfall expected across Scotland and northern England
According to WXCharts, Scotland will bear the brunt of the snowfall, with accumulations expected to reach 0.3-1 cm per hour in areas near Dundee and the North Sea. The wintry conditions will also spread southwards, with snow expected to cover large parts of northern England, particularly in regions north of Derbyshire, at a similar rate of up to 1 cm per hour.
However, areas further south are unlikely to see significant snowfall. Instead, a band of rain is forecast to stretch from Lancashire to Hampshire and West Sussex, with drizzles reaching 0.3-1 mm per hour by Sunday morning. The Met Office has issued cold weather alerts, advising residents to take precautions as temperatures drop.
Plummeting temperatures and risk of freezing conditions
As the Arctic air mass moves in, temperatures will fall sharply, with some areas set to experience severe cold. According to the Met Office, the Scottish Highlands will see the lowest temperatures, with values dropping to -3°C on February 14. In England, the average temperature is expected to hover around 0°C, while coastal areas such as Cornwall and Suffolk will be slightly warmer at 5°C.
In addition to freezing temperatures, some forecasters have indicated the potential for freezing rain, a rare phenomenon that can lead to hazardous road conditions. This could particularly affect Wales and central England, increasing the risk of travel disruptions.
The Met Office has noted that conditions will remain cold and unsettled, with rain and hill snow expected in some areas, while a cold easterly breeze continues to impact temperatures.
