Issued: 0900 Tuesday 5th December 2017
Duty forecaster: Dr. Simon Keeling

Turning much colder with a threat of snow

Temperatures plunging at the end of this week as northerly winds set in. These bring widespread snow showers around western, northern and eastern coasts and hills. Feeling especially cold in the wind. Early next week presents several forecasting problems as there is the potential for some more widespread wintry weather to affect the UK although detail is very hard to pin down at this stage.

For the weather for the next few days click here


Friday 8/12/17
Strong northerly winds bring a renewed wintry feel to things by Friday. Areas of heavy snow and hail showers draped around coasts in the west, east and north, at times giving frequent falls. In northern Scotland, heavy snow may last for many hours, resulting in blizzard conditions. Central inland parts of Britain should escape mainly dry with sunshine after early squally rain clears to the southeast. Cold at just 1 to 5C for most, but 8C in the southeast.

Saturday 9/12/17
Northerly winds are likely to continue, bringing frequent snow to eastern coastal districts, plus northern Scotland. A few bands of showers may also affect some Irish sea coasts, perhaps running into north Wales and the northwest Midlands. Pressure is likely to build toward the west. Feeling bitterly cold in the wind. Frosty where sheltered. Highs 1 to 4C.
 

Sunday 10/12/17
Confidence stays low through Sunday. A cold and frosty situation is likely. Further snow showers are possible around North Sea coasts. Low pressure and fronts trying to move in from the Atlantic bring a risk of sleet and snow through southern Ireland, southern Wales and southwest England. Snow falling as rain in the far southwest. Highs at 0 to 3C for most, but 7C in the far southwest.

Monday 11/12/17
Confidence remains low for Monday. It is likely to be a colder day with rain, sleet and snow passing east. It is possible that a more persistent spell of snow could affect some areas of the country. It is probably going to be staying cold. Highs at 0 to 4C.

Tuesday 12/12/17
A ridge of high pressure to the west with low pressure to the east. A cold northerly flow affecting all areas with the risk of some snow showers around the western, northern and eastern coasts. Highs at 1 to 4C.

Wednesday 13/12/17
Rain and sleet arrives in the west through Wednesday as fronts edge in from the Atlantic. becoming breezy here too. Drier and brighter to the east with sunny spells. Highs at 2 to 5C.