Advanced weather modelling maps suggest that the UK could soon be hit by three days of snow, potentially bringing up to 10 inches in some areas.
The WXCHARTS weather model indicates that snow will first strike the UK in the early hours of March 2, with Northern Ireland, western Scotland, the north-west of England and the West Midlands all likely to be affected. Greater Manchester could experience snowfall at an astonishing rate of 10cm per hour around 6am, while 5cm per hour snow showers are possible in the Lake District.
The snowstorms are predicted to move southeastward throughout the day, petering out over East Anglia and London. The maps also forecast more snow on March 3, mainly in Scotland and northern parts of England where 2cm per hour snow showers are possible around 6pm.
According to the weather maps, scattered but more intense snow showers are expected on March 4. Around 6am, the north-west of England, North Wales, and some southern-central regions could see 10cm per hour snow showers.
By the evening, some isolated snow showers could persist in Wales and northern Scotland, but the blizzard is anticipated to conclude by March 5.
Snow depth maps for March 4 reveal the full impact of the three-day Arctic blast. Northern Scotland could have as much as 25cm (10in) of snow settled on the ground by midday.
The Pennines could see 8cm (3in), while southern parts of England could have as much as 1cm.
Separately, The Met Office said in its February 25 to March 6 forecast: “Conditions through this period are somewhat uncertain, and the detail especially so, but it is more likely than not that a mainly westerly regime will dominate the UK’s weather.
“It is therefore likely that further spells of mild, wet and windy weather affect the UK at times, interspersed with colder, showery conditions with a risk of some snow in the north, mainly over higher ground.”
It continued: “However, there is also a chance that drier, more settled conditions develop at times, especially towards the south or southeast of the UK.
“Temperatures are likely to be close to or a little above average overall, although with a risk of overnight frost in between frontal systems or in association with any drier spells.”
