UK major snowfall forecast

 

UK Braces for Major Snowfall: Winter Chill Returns with a Bang

The United Kingdom is once again facing the prospect of a major snowfall event, as meteorological models warn of a prolonged 66-hour wintry blast affecting as many as 24 cities.  This comes amid an early season cold snap that many forecasters say could be a harbinger of a harsher-than-usual winter.

What’s Coming

According to recent weather projections, the snowstorm is expected to sweep in on November 13, intensifying overnight and continuing until November 16.  Cities projected to be at risk include Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness, Aberdeen, Belfast, Newcastle, Sunderland, Lancaster, and more.  In parts of northern Scotland and northern England, snowfall rates could reach 3 cm per hour, especially during the early hours of the storm. 

Why Is This Happening?

Meteorologists point to a clash of air masses as the root cause: frigid Arctic air from the north colliding with moist, more temperate air from the Atlantic.  For snow to settle, the UK needs both cold air and moisture, which don’t always align in its maritime climate. In this case, forecasters believe they will.

Another factor is the freezing level — the altitude at which temperatures drop below zero. On hills and mountains, this drop helps precipitation fall as snow, even while lower-lying regions may struggle to see more than sleet or rain. 

Regional Impacts: Where Might Snow Stick?

• Scotland and Northern England: These are the primary zones of concern. High ground is especially vulnerable, with the heaviest accumulation expected there.

• Midlands & Southern England: While a large portion of this region might remain cold, forecasts suggest precipitation could fall as rain or sleet, rather than heavy snow. 

• Coastal Areas: Regions near the east coast may see snow showers if cold easterly winds pick up moisture over the North Sea

Risks & Warnings

The Met Office has already issued national severe weather warnings for snow and ice in some regions. Temperatures are forecast to dip well below freezing overnight in places, raising the risk of icy surfaces, power outages, and disruption to transport networks.

Cold conditions also heighten public health concerns. Vulnerable groups—especially the elderly and those with limited ability to heat their homes—could be disproportionately affected. Meanwhile, frozen ground and melting snow may trigger or worsen flood risks in some areas, as raised by the Environment Agency.

Predicting snow in the UK is notoriously difficult. Even slight shifts in temperature, wind direction, or precipitation intensity can change rain into snow, or vice versa.  Forecasters use a combination of high-resolution weather models, radar data, and expert judgement to make their assessments, but warnings tend to grow more confident only a few days before the event. 

What to Do

• Stay Updated: Monitor local Met Office forecasts and warnings.

• Prepare for Disruption: If you live in a high-risk area, be ready for travel delays, icy roads, and potentially stranded conditions.

• Protect Vulnerable People: Check on elderly neighbors or family members, and ensure they have sufficient heating and supplies.

• Be Flood-Aware: If melting snow is likely, stay alert to flood warnings in your area.