Britain is expected to face another onslaught of snow, just days after the end of the current freezing weather. According to the latest weather maps, portions of Scotland are anticipated to be once more covered in snow as we move into the second month of 2024. And one forecasting model says the snow will spread across the length of the country.
The UK continues to be under the influence of frigid Arctic air, and there is a high probability of snow and ice persisting in the northern regions of the country, encompassing Scotland, Northern Ireland, sections of northwest and southwest England, as well as north and west Wales, leading up to the weekend.
Several Met Office weather warnings are in force on Wednesday and Thursday. An Amber warning for snow has now also been issued for northern parts of Scotland, where high ground could see more than 40cm of snow accumulate before the weekend.
Lower ground in the north of Scotland is more likely to see 5-10cm of lying snow accumulate ahead of the weekend.
According to WXCharts maps, it is expected that on February 1, northern regions of Scotland and many cities in England, including Wick, Inverness, and Manchester and London, may experience snow showers, resulting in snow depths ranging from 2cm to 5cm.
During this period, temperatures in these areas are likely to drop to around -4C.
The Met Office’s initial data indicates that Dalwhinnie in the Highlands experienced a temperature of -14°C, and Tulloch Bridge in the Scottish Highlands recorded -11°C last night, marking the coldest night of this winter.
The persisting influence of cold Arctic air will bring freezing temperatures and snow to a significant part of Britain throughout the week. Additionally, the weekend is expected to see the arrival of potentially disruptive stormy weather.
The Met Office’s long-range forecast between January 31 and February 14 suggests: “After a likely milder, more unsettled spell during the preceding week, into early February there is again an increased likelihood of high pressure having greater influence on UK weather patterns.
“There is uncertainty in exactly where high pressure will become established but this increases the likelihood of drier conditions.
“There is also a greater than normal likelihood of winds from the east leading to an increased chance, compared to normal, of cold spells.
“Whilst a drier and colder scenario is most likely during early February, there remains a chance of some milder interludes with spells of rain and strong winds, especially across the north.”
Today:
Snow showers continue to feed into coastal areas, mainly across Scotland and Northern Ireland. Elsewhere, many inland areas dry and sunny, though cloudier skies at first in south with the odd wintry flurry possible. Another cold day for all.
Tonight:
Clear periods for most this evening and overnight with temperatures quickly plummeting. A severe frost developing inland with icy patches. Further snow flurries in northern coastal areas at times.
Thursday:
Another dry, sunny and cold day for many after a very frosty and locally icy start. Occasional snow showers in coastal areas once again, giving a slight covering in places.
Outlook for Friday to Sunday:
Very cold at first with further snow showers, mainly near coastal areas. Turning milder into the weekend with bands of rain and strong winds beginning to move across the country.
