A fresh cold snap in early 2024 could bring with it a huge wall of snow, weather maps show. The data shows a sea of snow around 260 miles long sweeping the country on January 1. Met Office predictions currently say that snow is “possible” in the north of England.
However, WXCharts, which uses data from Met Desk, appears to predict snow for many parts of the Midlands and even the south of Britain on the first day of the new year. The wave of the white stuff, which could reach more than 2cm in some parts of the country, is set to come later on in the day on January 1, current predictions show.
While other maps show that temperatures could reach as low as –8C in Scotland, with sub-zero levels predicted for much of the rest of the country.
The Met Office predicted a wintry system which could carry snow, although they were less sure that the white stuff will fall anywhere other than the highest parts of the north. This year’s Christmas period has so far been “typical”, the weather agency said.
So far, its forecast for December has been largely accurate, with unseasonably mild temperatures and occasional rain showers following an initial cold snap.
But as the festive months draws to a close the mercury will dip closer to zero. Some Brits will bring in the new year under “wintry showers”, the Met Office said.
In its long range forecast for December 25 to January 3, the agency said: “Rain and drizzle should slowly clear from southern areas on Christmas Day leaving a mixture of sunny spells and showers, some of these turning wintry over high ground in the north.
“After a probably brief drier and colder interlude for many on Boxing Day, a resumption of the broadly unsettled conditions looks most likely, with further showers or longer spells of rain for many areas.
“It will probably become a little milder again, at least at times, in the south, with the greater chance of colder interludes further north, where some snow is possible, especially over higher ground.
“Strong winds are also likely at times. Little general change is expected into the start of the new year.”
Today:
Wet and windy today, particularly across northern areas where gales or severe gales are likely. Rain and cloud sinking southwards with a mixture of sunny spells and showers to follow. Showers turning wintry over the mountains of Scotland later.
Tonight:
Strongest winds easing although remaining windy throughout tonight. Showers will continue in the north, wintry in places. Rain across the southwest slowly edging northeastwards.
Friday:
Rain lying northwest to southeast across the UK will slowly spread northeastwards, turning heavy across parts of northwest Scotland. Drier and brighter conditions to follow. Windy for all.
Outlook for Saturday to Monday:
Remaining unsettled in the run up to Christmas with further rain. Generally mild, but turning colder in the north from Sunday with some wintriness possible over the high ground.
