Weather forecasts are predicting a significant drop in temperatures with the possibility of snow hitting major cities across the UK, including London. Despite experiencing the hottest day of the year recently, temperatures are expected to plummet to as low as -12C.
On Thursday, London recorded temperatures above 19C. However, advanced weather mapping indicates the likelihood of a blizzard affecting approximately 60% of the country in the coming days.
The GFS weather model suggests snowfall spreading over a vast area of the UK on March 15, starting with heavy snow in northern Scotland. Subsequently, Wales, Northern Ireland, and the north-west, including Manchester, are also expected to see flurries.
By the early hours of March 16, the maps show a second wave of snow moving across southern England and Wales, with regions like South Wales, Gloucestershire, and Hampshire likely to experience the heaviest snowfall initially.
In the early morning hours of March 16, intense snowfall is depicted over London and Essex, with potential impact on the Midlands, including Birmingham. The snow is forecasted to move northwards by midday, covering North Wales, the Pennines, and Scotland.
Snow coverage maps suggest that by 6am on March 16, significant portions of southern England, the Midlands, Wales, the north-west, Northern Ireland, and Scotland will have snow accumulation on the ground.
The data indicates that temperatures could reach as low as -12C in northern Scotland, while Northern Ireland and northern England may experience lows of -3C and Wales could see temperatures drop to -5C.
The Met Office has cautioned about a possible “colder spell” later in the month, likely after March 20. Their forecast for March 20 to April 4 suggests unsettled conditions across the UK initially, with a potential shift towards drier weather in northern regions later in March.
BBC Weather has also warned of “wintry showers” in its forecast from March 16 to 22, with cooler temperatures expected overall and the possibility of wintry showers over higher ground in the northern UK.
