New weather maps have shown snow hitting the south of the UK for 48 hours non-stop this month. Forecasters at WX Charts have predicted that the whole of the south will be hit by snow from Friday, March 22 to Saturday, March 23, with London, Southampton, Cardiff, Birmingham and Plymouth all affected.
Snow will also hit parts of Scotland in Inverness, Glasgow and Edinburgh as well as northern Britain in small patches around Newcastle and Sunderland.
Those affected could see snow falling at about 5mm per hour with the midlands, north of Wales and Northern Ireland all seeing heavy rain during the same period.
But early predictions of snow should be taken with a pinch of salt as the Met Office says it is extremely difficult to predict snow more than two days ahead.
For the same period, officials at the national forecaster disagree with those at WXCharts saying the country will see a lot of rain, but not much snow.
Its forecast for the final third of March and the beginning of April read: “Pressure is likely to remain higher than average to the north of the UK.
“This pattern tends to push the focus of unsettled weather further south than usual, with the highest rainfall most likely to be in the south of the UK.
“Conversely, northern areas tend to be drier compared to normal. Temperatures will probably be near average or slightly above overall, with any cooler interludes most likely in the north.”
Before that the Met Office says the period between Tuesday, March 12, and Thursday, March 21, will see weather start to change becoming brighter and drier.
Its forecast for the period read: “A gradual change in the weather will take place early next week as drier, brighter weather and lighter winds slowly filter in from the west, replacing the fairly persistent cloud and showers affecting the east.
“This is likely to last until at least mid-next week before further Atlantic cloud, wind and spells of rain begin to threaten once again.
“Settled conditions could persist for much of next week, but it is most likely that rain will become more extensive again from mid- to late next week onwards.
“Thereafter, the most likely scenario is that “south-shifted” Atlantic weather systems will dominate, bringing periods of mild, cloudy and wet weather across many southern and eastern areas in particular, whilst northwestern areas stay more settled. Temperatures overall are likely to be around average.”
The Met Office said weather would remain dry tonight and tomorrow before rain will hit the UK on Sunday and Monday.
Today:
Most places will have a dry day with some bright or sunny spells, the best of which are likely across southern England and western Scotland. Cloudier in the northeast with patchy rain at times. Feeling chilly in brisk easterly winds.
Tonight:
Dry to start for many overnight, although cloudy at times, particularly in the northeast. Cloud thickening in the southwest as showery rain spreads northeast overnight. Remaining windy.
Saturday:
Remaining unsettled on Saturday with showers continuing to spread northeast through the day. Cloudy for most, although some brighter spells in the far southeast and northwest. Brisk easterly winds.
Outlook for Sunday to Tuesday:
Rain becoming more widespread on Sunday. Turning drier from the west through Monday, and winds easing. Dry for most on Tuesday, before rain and cloud arrives from the west later.
