Blizzards are expected across much of the UK this weekend, and the country is braced for snow and strong winds.
Recent weeks have seen large parts of the country blighted by poor winter weather. Storm Bert and Storm Conall closed roads, shut schools, and flooded homes, causing misery for thousands.
However, this weekend could see more disruption, although it is not expected to be to the extent of previous weeks.
Newly released data by WXCharts.com shows snow falling across many parts of the UK, from Scotland to Birmingham, and strong winds are also expected throughout.
However, Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist, Chris Bulmer warned of wind and rain. He said: “At this time is looks like the unsettled conditions will continue into the weekend with a deep low-pressure system probably crossing the UK into Saturday bringing strong winds and rain to some areas. Weather warnings will be issued as the details of the developments and hazards become clearer.
“Given the potential for disruption from this system, it is important to keep up to date with the latest forecast.”
The Met Office has issued weather warnings this week. A Yellow National Weather Warning for ice has been issued for Tuesday night into Wednesday morning in Scotland, and a warning for strong winds in parts of north and northwest Scotland from Wednesday afternoon until Thursday morning is also in place.
The weekend’s weather, according to WX Charts, looks set to see large parts of the UK blanketed in snow, almost certain to be hit in its entirety from the early hours of Saturday morning.
The snow will stretch as far south as the home counties, with central and eastern parts of the country most likely to be affected.
As much as 6cm of snow could have fallen by mid-morning on Saturday in southern Newcastle and Hull.
The snow will be accompanied by strong winds, with data from WXCharts.com showing winds of up to 80km/h across central and south England throughout Saturday and into Sunday. Parts of Norfolk and England’s east coast will see gales in excess of 100 km/h.
Separately, the Met Office said: “Turning more unsettled in the coming days with heavy rain and strong winds at times, particularly into the weekend with gales possible. After a mild few days, turning colder later.”
The added: “Winds increasing from the north into Sunday likely to bring cold temperatures and blustery showers through Sunday with some sleet or small hail possible along windward coasts. High pressure then very likely to have increasing influence into the following week with more settled conditions becoming established for a time, though a showery easterly possible in the south.”
The weather could even bring “freezing rain” south of Newcastle, a phenomenon that the Met Office described as “a rare type of liquid precipitation that strikes a cold surface and freezes almost instantly.”
Rain often falls as snow but melts on its way to earth. However, on rare occasions, the ground temperature is low enough to “supercool” the rain droplet, meaning that it is still falling in liquid form even though its temperature has fallen below zero.
When this ‘supercooled’ droplet hits the ground (below zero, too), it spreads out a little on landing and then instantly freezes, encasing the surface in a layer of clear ice.
