Scotland is poised to experience three significant snowstorms just before Christmas, according to weather forecasts. These snow events are expected to bring impactful weather across much of the region.
Snowstorm Timeline and Impact
- Start Date: December 20
- Locations Affected: Northern Ireland, Highlands, Central Scotland, and Northern England
- Forecast: Up to 12cm of snow in parts of the Highlands, with around 6cm in areas of the Central Belt and southern Scotland.
Weather models suggest an Arctic blast will affect approximately half of the UK, leading to snowfall and rain. The first snowstorm is predicted to affect Northern Ireland before moving across Scotland and northern England.
Details of the Snowstorms
The first snowstorm will commence on December 20, with weather maps indicating a surge of snow and rain. A second snow front is anticipated to arrive around 6 AM on December 21, delivering snowfall rates of up to 1cm per hour, particularly in Northern Ireland and western Scotland.
By December 22, a third storm is forecast, which will likely affect several regions across Northern Ireland and Scotland. Maps indicate that almost every area north of the Central Belt may experience lying snow by this date.
Forecast Analysis
According to the Met Office’s forecast for December 20 to January 3, changeable weather patterns are expected across the UK. They predict potential showers, longer rainy spells, and hill snow in northern regions, alongside strong winds.
The BBC also provided a forecast for December 22 to January 4, indicating a possibility of changeable weather with rain and occasional snow, mainly in northern uplands. They further noted the potential of colder conditions developing in early January, depending on high pressure systems over Iceland or Greenland.
With the festive season approaching, residents in Scotland should prepare for significant weather fluctuations and potential travel disruptions due to the expected snow blizzards.
