A significant storm is poised to bring snowfall to multiple cities this weekend, commencing on Valentine’s Day. Cutting-edge weather models indicate that snow will initially impact Northern Ireland and regions in northern Scotland on Saturday evening, coinciding with Valentine’s Day. Ireland may also experience heavy snow around 9 pm.
According to the GFS weather model, the snow is projected to progress eastward, covering most areas of England, Wales, and Scotland. By around 3 am on Sunday, the maps illustrate snowfall from the south coast of England to the far north of Scotland.
Major urban centers such as Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Newcastle, Edinburgh, and Glasgow are expected to be heavily affected. In areas with intense flurries, the data suggests snowfall rates could reach up to four inches per hour, particularly over hills.
By approximately 6 am, the maps indicate that snowfall will have reached London as it continues its eastward drift, also affecting East Anglia and parts of Yorkshire. The majority of the country is likely to witness snowfall at some point over the weekend, as indicated by the maps.
Snow depth charts suggest that northern Scotland’s hills could accumulate up to 162cm (63 inches) of snow by Sunday morning. Southern Scotland may see around 12cm (five inches) of snow, while northern England’s hills could receive 8cm (three inches). Conversely, the Midlands and southern regions are anticipated to receive only 1-2cm of snow.
The Met Office also hints at the possibility of snow returning to the UK soon. In its forecast for Thursday through Saturday, the agency predicts a cold turn on Friday, with potential snow showers, especially in northern areas.
Looking ahead to February 15-24, the Met Office forecasts showers or prolonged rain, with snow likely in northern regions, mainly on elevated terrain. The possibility of strong winds, particularly along coasts, is also mentioned. Temperatures are expected to be near normal, with a chance of drier, more settled conditions emerging later in the period.
BBC Weather additionally forecasts more snowfall this week over hills on Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday. The forecast anticipates unsettled conditions with rain or showers on Wednesday and Thursday, along with snow showers in higher elevations of Scotland. As colder air descends, snow or sleet may develop over hills and mountains in Northern Ireland, Wales, and northern England by late Thursday. The forecast also suggests that most areas should become drier and clearer by Saturday, with the possibility of milder air and rain from a frontal system on Sunday, potentially preceded by sleet and snow over higher terrain in the northern half of the UK.
