Weather experts predict that the UK could experience up to three snowstorms leading up to Christmas, potentially leaving a snowy landscape on December 25. The Global Forecast System (GFS) model indicates that about half of the country might be affected by an Arctic blast, with significant snowfall expected in certain regions.
The wintry conditions are expected to start on December 20 as an Atlantic weather front moves across the UK, bringing snow and rain. Initially, Northern Ireland is likely to face the most intense snowfall, followed by Wales, the Midlands, northern England, and Scotland.
On December 21, the second snowstorm is projected to impact Northern Ireland, possibly dumping 1cm of snow per hour. The snow is then expected to spread across the UK, with the northwest of England anticipated to experience the heaviest snowfall.
Looking ahead to December 22, weather maps indicate a third snow front affecting Northern Ireland, northern England, and Scotland, with several centimeters of snow expected. It remains to be seen if the temperatures will remain low enough for the snow to last until Christmas Day.
Snow coverage maps for December 22 suggest that approximately half of the UK could have snow on the ground, with regions like Manchester likely to see significant snowfall. The data indicates that parts of northern Scotland could receive up to 12cm of snow, while some areas in northern England and Northern Ireland could get 6cm.
Both the Met Office and BBC Weather forecasts suggest changeable weather conditions leading up to and after Christmas, with a mix of rain, showers, and occasional strong winds. Mild temperatures are expected to prevail, with the possibility of brief colder intervals primarily affecting northern uplands. Additionally, there are indications that the weather pattern may shift by January, potentially bringing colder weather if high pressure develops in the Iceland-Greenland region.
The weather outlook is further complicated by disturbances in the upper atmosphere that could impact the circulation patterns in the northern hemisphere in the coming weeks.