Weather forecasts indicate that the UK is bracing for three significant snowstorms leading up to Christmas. These storms could bring widespread snowfall, potentially affecting half of the country. According to advanced modelling maps, the first snow is expected to arrive on December 20, driven by an Atlantic weather front.
Expected Snowfall and Timing
The storms will begin with the heaviest snow predicted for Northern Ireland. Weather models suggest that as much as 1 cm of snow per hour could fall in this region starting at 6 a.m. on December 21. From there, snow will spread across the UK, impacting Wales, the Midlands, northern England, and Scotland.
Three Snowstorms Overview
- First Storm: Arrives on December 20, starting with Northern Ireland.
- Second Storm: Hits Northern Ireland on December 21, bringing intense snowfall.
- Third Storm: Forecast for December 22, expected to deliver heavy snow across multiple regions.
Weather maps on December 22 show a significant layer of snow covering much of Scotland, northern England, and Northern Ireland. Reports indicate up to 12 cm (approximately five inches) of snow could accumulate in northern Scotland, while northern England and Northern Ireland might see around 6 cm.
Predictions from the Met Office
The Met Office forecasts fluctuating weather patterns from December 20 to January 3. Predominantly low-pressure systems may lead to rain and some hill snow, particularly in northern areas. The potential for strong winds along the coast also exists, although some settled periods may occur.
BBC Weather Insights
According to the BBC, the weather from December 22 to January 4 will likely remain unpredictable. While mild conditions are expected to prevail, occasional colder snaps may still occur. The possibility of snow will mostly be confined to northern uplands.
However, there are suggestions that the atmospheric patterns could shift by January, potentially bringing colder weather to the UK. A change in the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) may result in high pressure over Iceland and Greenland, altering the prevailing weather conditions.
As anticipation builds towards Christmas, the outlook suggests that the UK may be transformed into a winter wonderland, should the snowstorms materialize as predicted.
