The UK is bracing for a major winter storm as weather maps turn shades of deep purple and orange, indicating heavy snowfall and torrential rain set to batter several regions.
Forecast models from WXCharts, generated on February 21, show a powerful weather system sweeping across the country in the coming days, bringing widespread disruption on March 4.
According to the latest weather map, frigid Arctic air is pushing south, causing temperatures to plummet across much of the UK.
The map reveals sub-zero temperatures at 850hPa, with icy blue hues covering much of the country.
This cold air will collide with a moisture-laden weather front from the Atlantic, fueling a mix of snow, sleet, and heavy rain.
Cities at Risk of Heavy Snowfall
- Scotland: Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, Inverness, Dundee, Perth, Stirling
- Northern England: Newcastle, Carlisle, Durham, Leeds, Sheffield, Manchester, Bradford
- Midlands: Birmingham, Nottingham, Derby, Stoke-on-Trent
- Wales: Wrexham, Llandrindod Wells, Brecon
- South West England: Exeter, Plymouth
Cities at Risk of Heavy Rain and Flooding
- Northern Ireland: Belfast, Derry, Lisburn, Newry
- North West England: Liverpool, Manchester, Chester, Preston, Lancaster
- Wales: Cardiff, Swansea, Newport, Bangor
- Midlands: Leicester, Coventry, Northampton, Wolverhampton
- South West England: Bristol, Bath, Gloucester, Swindon, Taunton
- South East England: London, Southampton, Portsmouth, Brighton
In a Met Office long-range forecast for February 26 to March 6, they said: “Changeable weather is expected across the UK during this period with Atlantic weather systems spreading in from the west at times.
“These systems will bring periods of wet and windy weather, with a risk of heavy rain and gales at times. The heaviest rainfall and strongest winds are most likely to affect western and northwestern regions of the UK, with rainfall totals typically lower and winds lighter in the southeast.
“Between weather systems, some drier and brighter interludes are likely to develop with lighter winds, spells of sunshine and perhaps a few showers.
“Temperatures are likely to be above average overall, although some short-lived colder spells are possible at times, particularly in the north of the UK.”
