A major snow event is likely to blast some parts of the UK with temperatures plummeting to -1C, weather maps have suggested. These maps come as the country has been battling freezing weather conditions, with some areas shivering at -18C.
The latest maps generated by WX Charts, which uses Met Desk data, for January 25 suggest that a cold wave will hit several parts of Britain, with 12 cm of snow accumulating in areas around Dumfries and Galloway.
The lowest temperatures are likely to be seen in areas around Fort William, Portree and Wick as the mercury plunges to -1C, maps have suggested.
The cold snap will strike again after a few days in which the UK is forecasted of experiencing mild temperatures in some areas.
The Met Office explained that a change to milder conditions is expected through the weekend, with the north of the UK first to see warmer temperatures. In the south, the change will be slower, perhaps taking into next week before temperatures recover closer to the seasonal average.
Deputy Chief Meteorologist, Mark Sidaway, said: “On Sunday and through Monday south-westerly winds will bring some rain and much milder temperature across the northern UK. With milder temperatures and rain moving in, a rapid thaw of lying snow could cause a few issues. Further south it will remain colder and dry for longer and here freezing fog could cause some problems on Saturday.
“Looking further ahead high pressure will bring more settled conditions to most of the UK through next week, occasional fronts will glance the northwest of Scotland bringing rain at times and breezier conditions, but it will remain mild.”
According to the Met Office, last night the UK faced the coldest January temperatures in 15 years after they dropped to -18.7C in Altnaharra, in the far north of Scotland. Meanwhile, temperatures in England fell to -11C in Cumbira and -5C in Heathrow.
The Met Office’s long-range forecast between January 16 and 25 reads: “High pressure will lie close to the south of the UK initially, with generally settled conditions prevailing across the south.
“Cloud amounts will be variable but often large, with some fog developing under clearer spells, this slow to clear.
“Frontal systems may affect the northwest of the UK at times, bringing some rain and windier conditions here.
“High pressure and associated settled conditions may extend further north for a time, before low pressure seems likely to increasingly influence the UK weather late in the period, with some rain and windier conditions extending to most parts.
“Temperatures are likely to be generally a little above average, especially in the north, though the south and east may have some rather cold starts under clearer skies and lighter winds.”