Brits could be starting the new year under a blanket of snow, as unseasonably mild conditions look set to be replaced by a sharp dip in temperatures as December becomes January.
Some forecasters are pointing to a Sudden Stratospheric Warming (SSW), which would see a “displacement of cold, Arctic air into the mid-latitudes”, meaning Britain and Europe could see the mercury plummet.
Suggestions that the SSW may “peak” by January 4 or 5 would point to the imminent arrival of snow. The Met Office has always maintained that accurate snow predictions can only be made within two days of the projected dump.
However, meteorologists at the Met Office have conceded that there is a possibility of “significant snowfall” between New Year’s Day and January 10.
In its Long Range forecast, the Met Office said: “Into the new year it now looks finely balanced whether near or slightly above temperatures will be in place across the south, with periods of rain, wind, and showers.
“Or if the slightly below average temperatures in place across the north; where showers will remain wintry, will manage to filter southwards or not. If the colder air filters southwards wintry showers could be seen across parts of England and Wales, and it is possible some more significant snowfall could occur along the mild / cold air boundary.
“Thereafter, more settled conditions are expected to gradually develop more widely, increasing the risk of frost and fog. If this were to occur day on day net cooling would lead to below average temperatures, with an increased threat of winter hazards, including ice/snow.”
Meanwhile, some Brits are picking up the pieces after Storm Gerrit ripped through their area last night. Many are still feeling the effects as torrential rain continues to fall across the country.
The small “tornado” tore through western areas, taking roofs off homes in Manchester, as well as blowing over tress and collapsing walls.
Parts of Scotland were blasted by winds of up to 80mph. Scottish Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) said around 25,000 homes lost power due to the brutal conditions, with around 16,000 expected to remain without electricity today.
Motorists across the country have had to contend with travel chaos as major roads succumbed to severe flooding. Go to the Express.co.uk weather page for more updates on the havoc wreaked by Storm Gerrit and the weather that may be coming up in your area.
