UK weather: Wet across Scotland
A new Beast from the East threatens to grip parts of the UK in the New Year as a polar vortex sweeps across Britain. James Madden, a weather forecaster at Exacta Weather, said: “The risk is growing for a prolonged cold and snowy spell as we head into the early part of January.”
Mr Madden said this is due to the growing risk of another Sudden Stratospheric Warming (SSW) event which could result in the threat of another Beast from the East in the New Year.
He told GB News: “There are now strong indications for a major SSW to occur during the early part of January and, if it does, many parts of the UK can expect to end up in the freezer with snow events and severe cold weather.”
The Beast from the East brought snow and freezing temperatures to Britain from Russia in 2018. At the time a SSW blocked the jet stream and let roaring winds in from the east. SSWs can change the shape of the jet stream into a wavier form which can bring high pressure and block milder flows from the Atlantic.
READ MORE Eight days of snow chaos expected as Britain’s mercury suddenly plunges
Another SSW event is forecast by some experts in early 2024 and this, some believe, could trigger a cold blast.
The latest weather maps produced by WX Charts using Met Desk data shows temperatures in parts of western Scotland plunge to minus 10C on January 5.
Edinburgh will see minus 3C on the same date, while much of the rest of the UK will see the mercury dip to 1C to 0C, according to WX Charts. Freezing or near-freezing temperatures will stretch about 600 to 700 miles from the north of Scotland to southern England, WX Charts weather maps show.
The Met Office‘s long range forecast, covering December 27 to January 5 shows that after a brief, more settled interlude, another weather system is likely to arrive at the start of that period, bringing outbreaks of rain and stronger winds to many areas.
It adds: “Some snow is possible in the north, most likely over hills. Parts of Scotland may remain in a brighter/clearer regime with wintry showers.”
This map shows minimum temperatures forecast for midday on January 5 (Image: WX Charts)
This map shows a wind chill forecast at 6am on January 6 (Image: WX Charts)
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The Met Office says “broadly unsettled” conditions are likely to continue into early January with further windy spells and showers or longer spells of rain at times for all areas.
It forecasts some brighter, clearer interludes between systems, though these will generally be brief.
Northern hills are likely to see some snow at times, though any snow at lower levels is much more uncertain, according to the Met Office.
Temperatures are likely to fluctuate around average with some milder spells in the south and rather cold at times in the north.
Meanwhile, low pressure is the dominant force for the UK weather in the run-up to Christmas, bringing strong winds and heavy rain for some with the potential to be “impactful”, according to the Met Office.
This map shows snow depth forecast for midday on December 30 (Image: WX Charts)
This map shows snow depth forecast for midday on New Year’s Eve (Image: WX Charts)
Rain warnings are in force on Saturday (December 23) into Sunday with the highest accumulations initially falling in the west of Scotland, before affecting Wales and northwest England early on Christmas Eve.
Warnings for wind have been issued for December 24 and into the early hours of Christmas Day. These are mainly in the north of Scotland and northeast England.
To the east of the Pennines, gusts could be in excess of 60mph for a time, with the potential to disrupt transport networks, according to the Met Office.
Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist Steven Keates said: “It’s a windy weekend for many, with some heavy rain expected too, especially in the west, with a number of weather warnings in force.
“Low pressure to the north of the UK is chiefly responsible for this period of unsettled weather, with a number of weather fronts bringing periods of heavy and persistent rain, particularly in western Scotland and Wales through Saturday and into Sunday.
“Those further east will generally see drier conditions through the weekend, though even here will see some showers at times. Temperatures in the south will be very mild for the time of year, likely peaking at around 15C in the far southeast on Saturday.”
Met Office five-day forecast
Today:
Rain across Scotland, initially falling as snow in the north and leading to some icy stretches, then reaching Northern Ireland and northern England later. Staying drier further south with bright or sunny spells. Windy, though feeling mild when in shelter.
Tonight:
Generally windy and rather cloudy overnight. Rain mostly in the west, particularly persistent for northwest England and west Wales. Very mild for most, but feeling chilly across Shetland.
Sunday:
Cloudy Christmas Eve in the south with rain or drizzle. Brighter elsewhere with sunny spells and showers, heavy at times. Mild, but very windy – especially northern England and Scotland.
Outlook for Monday to Wednesday:
An unsettled Christmas Day with rain and strong winds, plus snow over the mountains of Scotland. Calmer for Boxing Day with some sunshine, but rain returns for Wednesday.
