The UK is bracing for a sudden shift in weather as Arctic air sweeps across 13 counties, bringing snowfall and freezing conditions. However, this cold spell will be short-lived, with forecasts predicting a rapid temperature rise, reaching 18°C in parts of the country within weeks, according to meteorological data.
This sharp contrast in weather patterns highlights the unpredictability of early spring in the UK. While snow is set to blanket parts of England and Scotland, a warm front will follow, pushing temperatures to near-summer levels in the South East and East of England.
Snowfall Expected Across 13 Counties as Arctic Air Moves In
A band of Arctic air is set to bring snowfall across 13 counties in England this week, affecting areas from Dorset in the south to Cumbria in the north.
According to WX Charts, using Met Desk data, regions including Somerset, Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, Worcestershire, Warwickshire, Staffordshire, Derbyshire, and West Yorkshire will experience wintry conditions. Snowfall is also expected in North Yorkshire, Durham, Northumberland, and Cumbria.
The Met Office forecast for the period between March 10 and March 14 indicates a drop in temperatures, overnight frosts, and icy conditions. While scattered showers will spread across the UK, snow and sleet will be confined mainly to northern hills and high-altitude areas.
A spokesperson for the Met Office stated:
“Early cloud and rain clears the south. Sunny spells and showers follow, turning wintry over the hills in Scotland and northern England. Feeling colder than of late. Rather cloudy, although brighter spells are likely at times. Scattered showers continuing to spread across the country with sleet and snow over northern hills. Cold with overnight frosts and ice. “
Additionally, Professor Adam Scaife, Head of Long-Range Forecasting at the Met Office, suggested that a sudden stratospheric warming (SSW) event could further influence UK weather. He explained:
“There is now over 80% chance of a SSW occurring by the middle of the month, this could lead to some impacts on weather in the UK toward the end of March. What those impacts might be will become clearer nearer the time.”
Temperatures to Surge to 18°C as Warm Front Arrives
Despite the current cold snap, warmer weather is expected by late March, with temperatures predicted to reach 18°C across 11 counties, according to WX Charts.
The warm spell is set to peak between March 23 and March 24, bringing significantly higher temperatures to London, the South East, and the East of England.
Counties such as Cambridgeshire, Norfolk, Yorkshire, and the Humber are forecasted to see highs of 17°C, while Surrey, Suffolk, Essex, and parts of the East Midlands will experience temperatures around 16°C.
Meanwhile, Wales and the South West will reach 14°C, and Western Scotland is expected to remain slightly cooler at 8-9°C.
This shift from Arctic conditions to mild spring temperatures highlights the UK’s volatile climate at this time of year.
After a brief return to winter-like conditions, a surge of warm air will push temperatures well above seasonal averages, providing a glimpse of the warmer months ahead.
