A meteorologist has deciphered fresh weather maps which indicate snow flurries of nearly 600 miles are heading for Britain. The startling step back into winter will come as a shock to many after a mild, albeit wet, interlude.
But latest predictions could mean it’s not time to ditch the winter woollies just yet – with snow forecast across the entire length of the country.
The weather map from WXCharts shows that snow is on its way on March 4 – stretching from Inverness to the bottom of Scotland, right down the length of the Pennines and to Southampton on the southern coast.
The map shows up to 5cm could fall in some areas – and up to around 25cm in higher parts of Scotland such as Cairngorms National Park where the UK’s “best” ski resort is located – Glenshee Snowsports Centre.
Jim Dale, senior meteorologist at British Weather Services, said that February has been the wettest on record – but that snow could still make a late appearance.
He said: “It will turn colder Friday and across the weekend. Snow for Scotland, mainly higher parts but not exclusively so.
“Further south across north England and north Wales, I think just some bits and pieces with the Pennines and Snowdonia regions the only likely recipients as it currently stands.
“If the snow risk does drift further south I think it will be very patchy but we’ll have to wait and see.”
He added: “However, the main weather story is that February may turn out to be the wettest on record for the U.K. as a whole, precisely what climate scientists have been warning about as the Earth continues to warm.”
The Met Office long range forecast from Friday March 1 to Sunday March 10 also predicts snow.
It said: “It will become cooler and more unsettled from Friday and through the weekend with temperatures a little below average.
“Areas of showers sometimes banding together for longer spells of rain, this heavy at times and likely to turn wintry, even a lower levels and some snow accumulations are likely over higher ground, particularly in the west.
“Clearer spells overnight with some frost or fog patches developing. Into the following week, the pattern likely returning to occasional frontal systems affecting more northern and western areas with some more settled spells developing in eastern areas as settled conditions spread out from northern Europe.”
It added: “Remaining around average temperatures for the time of year though some short-lived colder interludes remain likely.”
