A bone-chilling blast of Arctic weather is set to hit the country in a matter of days bringing more than a foot-and-a-half of snow to some regions.
New weather maps from forecasters WXCharts show a massive band of snow arriving over the UK on Thursday, November 21, with a huge 410-mile patch over England stretching from Plymouth in the south west to Newcastle in the north east.
According to the prediction maps, all of England south of Cumbria and Northumberland looks set to get a dusting of the white stuff with Wales also seeing substantial snowfall.
In some areas as much as 9cm could fall on higher ground over the Pennines and on high ground in Wales, plus in rural areas such as the Cotswolds.
And in the Scottish Highlands a sizeable dumping of snow could see as much as 50cm settle bringing the potential for conditions suitable for skiing in some locations.
Northern Ireland too will not escape a powder covering, with Enniskillen and Omagh likely to see several centimetres settle by morning.
Looking ahead to later this month from November 16 to Monday November 25, the Met Office said the nation was likely to get some “significantly colder” conditions on the way.
It said: “Turning more unsettled and significantly colder as we head into the weekend with low pressure probably becoming established to the east of the UK bringing rain or showers to most regions.
“The heaviest and most frequent spells of rain are most likely in the north where they are likely to turn wintry, especially to the hills of Scotland, but perhaps also to lower levels as colder air digs south.
“The chance of any widespread or disruptive snowfall affecting more populated areas at this stage however remains low.
“Parts of the south may well see a fair amount of fine and dry weather. Often windy, with a chance of gales at times, especially in the north and east.
“Temperatures falling below average and feeling particularly cold in the strong winds.”
Today:
Dry and bright elsewhere with sunny spells, best of the sunshine across Scotland. Cloudier in the far southeast with blustery showers through the day. Fog slow to clear in Northern Ireland, and feeling cold here.
Tonight:
Clear spells leading to mist and fog, thick in places, and frosty conditions for many. Remains blustery in the southeast and turning cloudy with drizzle across the northwest.
Wednesday:
Fog and frost clearing through the morning but can be slow in Northern Ireland once more. Mostly sunny for many but light rain and drizzle across western Scotland.
Outlook for Thursday to Saturday:
Gradually turning cloudier through the week with outbreaks of rain at times, mainly in the north. Chilly overnight with fog and frost in places.
