The Met Office has issued a long-range forecast for the UK and it repeatedly mentions snow. The forecaster regularly updates its forecasts including its five-day predictions for the week ahead, as well as longer-term predictions which are more likely to change.
The most recent long-range forecast from the Met Office for a period of 24 days starting next Tuesday, January 9, which mentions snow a total of three times in the summary. It comes as dramatic weather maps have shown snow bombs hammering into the country in the coming days and weeks, while temperatures are predicted to plummet to as low as -8C in some parts of the country.
Predicting the long range forecast for January 9 until January 18, a spokesperson for the Met Office said: “Next week will begin mostly dry with variable amounts of cloud and some sunny spells. The sunniest weather is likely to be in the north and west.”
They added: “Elsewhere, probably mostly cloudy with a cold easterly breeze developing in the south. By the middle of next week, the wind should ease and, with high pressure in charge, there should be a good deal of dry weather. Cloud amounts will continue to be quite variable, but all areas should see some sunshine at times.
“Much colder than recently, with frost probably becoming quite widespread and some freezing fog patches are possible in places. Beyond next week, conditions are likely to remain cold, with an increasing chance of some snow showers, developing particularly in the north.”
Meanwhile for the date range between January 19 and February 2, the long-range weather forecast from the weather forecaster says: “Compared to normal, there is an increased chance of colder than average conditions during this period. Currently the chance of widespread severe cold is still deemed low, but still the risk of impacts from cold, including ice and snow is greater than normal.
“It is likely to be drier than recent weeks, but what does fall is more likely to be of a wintry nature. While there is a chance of brief, unsettled spells, which would bring milder air for a time, it would likely also be accompanied by a period of sleet or snow.
“However, when, or even if, this would happen is very uncertain, and overall the main theme will be much more in the way of settled conditions through this period.”
Thursday, January 4 until Monday, January 8
Headline:
Rain slowly clearing southeast with sunny spells on Friday.
This Evening and Tonight:
Outbreaks of heavy rain and strong winds gradually clearing eastwards, although remaining cloudy in the far southeast. Mostly dry elsewhere with some clear spells and coastal showers. Light winds leading to patchy frost and fog during the early hours.
Friday:
Rather cloudy in southeast England with rain and drizzle at times. A few coastal showers elsewhere, otherwise a mainly dry day with bright or sunny spells. Feeling a little cooler.
Outlook for Saturday to Monday:
High pressure building over the weekend bringing generally dry weather throughout. Often fairly cloudy with some sunny intervals though the odd shower possible on Saturday. Turning colder with frosts overnight.
