A snowstorm spanning 600 miles is expected to impact the United Kingdom within the next week. According to the latest weather forecasts by WXCharts, a significant blizzard is on track to strike the UK on Monday, February 16. Major cities such as Glasgow, Edinburgh, Newcastle, Manchester, and London are bracing for continuous snowfall throughout the day.
In the Scottish Highlands, approximately 20 inches of snow is anticipated, while the Midlands could see up to 15 inches of snow accumulation. Parts of the Highlands might experience snowfall of up to 15 inches, with regions south of Glasgow likely to receive around seven inches. Currently, about 90% of Scotland is blanketed in snow, with elevated terrains and inner roads expected to face challenging conditions.
Conversely, the weather outlook in southern regions will be markedly different. Most of England and Wales are poised to encounter rain rather than snow, especially in the Midlands, including areas like Stoke-on-Trent and Birmingham, as well as Greater London, Southampton, Swansea, Bristol, and the broader southwest.
By 6 pm, the majority of the rain is predicted to clear, although unsettled weather may persist in Wales, Gloucestershire, London, and along the eastern coastal areas such as Ipswich, Norwich, and Kent. Heavy rain is also forecasted to persist in Blackpool.
Meanwhile, the snow zone is projected to extend southwards, with Newcastle expected to be the primary area outside Scotland to witness snowfall by the evening. Snowfall is set to continue over Glasgow, Dundee, Aberdeen, the Highlands, and the Cairngorms into the night, lasting until approximately 9 pm on February 12.
This weather pattern comes as the Met Office issued warnings of high-pressure systems dominating the north or northeast next week, leading to rain and snowfall. In its extended forecast from February 10-19, the Met Office stated, “Cyclonic patterns are expected to prevail across the UK. Some southern and western areas are most likely to experience wet conditions, potentially leading to additional flooding concerns.”
Additionally, the forecast indicates a likelihood of snowfall, especially in colder air masses moving south or eastward into the UK. Strong winds are also expected intermittently, and temperatures are expected to remain relatively balanced, with northeastern regions likely to be colder than average, while southwestern areas may experience mild conditions at times.
