A potentially prolonged cold snap could be heading for the UK bringing snow to the north and south of the country, according to new weather maps.
MetDesk data from WXCHARTS shows the UK being hit by up to eight days of snowfall, with wintry showers being sporadic from around Saturday, December 30 right up until Sunday, January 7.
With Christmas more likely than not to be a wash out for many, as opposed to a festive snowy scene from a postcard, the goalpost has been moved to the days surrounding New Years’ Eve.
According to Jim Dale, a senior meteorologist for British Weather Services, the chances of snow – and a longer sub-zero period begin to increase from around December 29.
Speaking to Express.co.uk he said: “Chances are rising from December 29 onwards and extending south. A major cold plunge will come for Central Europe with the UK on the western edge.
When asked about snow risks to the south, author Mr Dale added these showers would be more sporadic. “We’ll be in and out in about a week is my current estimate,” he added.
And this new weather system is something the Met Office alludes to in its long-range weather forecast from December 27 to January 5. It says: “After a brief, more settled interlude, another weather system is likely to arrive on Wednesday bringing outbreaks of rain and stronger winds to many areas.
“Some snow is possible in the north, most likely over hills. Parts of Scotland may remain in a brighter/clearer regime with wintry showers.
“Broadly unsettled conditions are likely to continue into early January with further windy spells and showers or longer spells of rain at times for all areas.
“Some brighter/clearer interludes between systems, though these generally brief. Northern hills likely to see some snow at times, any snow at lower levels much more uncertain.
“Temperatures likely fluctuating around average with some milder spells in the south and rather cold at times in the north.” But it earmarks later into January as a period when the real cold may strike.
Looking from January 6 to 20, it added: “Most likely continuing unsettled early in the period with bands of rain crossing the UK with brighter conditions and showers in between.
“The wettest and windiest conditions are most likely in the north and west. Short-lived colder spells remain possible, with hazards such as snow and ice, particularly in the north.
“Through January conditions may turn less unsettled as high pressure has more influence. A possible change in weather patterns also increasing the chance of more prolonged spells of colder weather for all areas by mid-January.”
