Regions across Europe have been hit by snowstorms this week, with up to 20 inches of snow covering areas throughout the Western Balkans. The unexpected snowfall across Europe has piqued interest in when Britain might snow, with some reports suggesting flurries of up to 20cm could hit Scotland later this month.
But the Met Office has thrown cold water on the idea, stating that there is “no indication” of snow in the outlook throughout October. The weather service said conditions appear likely to remain dry and stable next week.
A Met Office spokesperson said: “There is currently no indication of snow in the forecast. The long-range forecast becomes clearer closer to the time, and currently suggests there could be settled conditions next week, thanks to high pressure, and possibly more unsettled weather later in the month.Keep an eye on our forecast to stay up to date as October goes on.”
Thousands of residents were left without power across the Western Balkans following early snowfall that caused widespread chaos on Friday (October 3).
Heavy snow covered the mountainous areas of Serbia and Bosnia, whilst continuous rainfall in the lower regions raised concerns of possible flooding and landslides.
Over half a metre (20 inches) of snow has already built up at higher elevations.
Weather expert Slobodan Sovilj from the state Hydrometeorological Service has indicated it might reach unprecedented levels for October.
“We have a number of areas without electricity because of broken trees and branches that fell on power lines,” Aleksandar Mitrovic, head of the Ivanjica municipality in central Serbia, told The Independent.
This follows temperatures climbing to 30C across the Western Balkans during September.
Throughout the summer heatwaves, the mercury soared beyond 40C.
The Met Office long-range forecast currently indicates that high pressure is likely to dominate next week, with more unsettled conditions expected later in the month.
From Friday (October 10) to the following Sunday (October 19), the forecast states: “On Friday, the far north of the UK will see some rain and drizzle, and it will be rather windy here. Other western parts of the UK may also see some light rain and drizzle at times. The rest of the country will be dry with some bright or sunny spells and fairly light winds.
“Thereafter, high pressure is expected to dominate for most if not all of the rest of the period, bringing plenty of dry, settled weather. Cloud amounts will be variable, and some overnight fog is likely, slowly clearing through the morning. Thicker cloud and some rain may affect the far north at times, though.
“Temperatures will be near average overall, but with some chilly nights possible, perhaps with isolated frost.”
Looking ahead, the Met Office has predicted: “The final October 3 will likely see a transition to more unsettled conditions across the UK, with high pressure relinquishing its grip, though the timing and manner of this is uncertain. Whether this takes the form of successive depressions moving in from the Atlantic or a rather slower-evolving weather pattern remains to be seen, but there is a greater chance of most, if not all, places seeing spells of rain or showers and possibly strong winds later in the month, these conditions continuing into the start of November.Temperatures will probably be close to average overall.”
