Nine counties across the UK are set to wake up to a blanket of snow next week as an Arctic blast intensifies ahead of Christmas. WX Charts forecast a snowy surge hitting Scotland and Northern Ireland from 6am on December 12.
Based on GFS modeling and Met Desk data, weather maps indicate snow falling at rates up to 2mm per hour in Ayrshire and Londonderry early that morning. England’s northern and northwestern counties—Westmorland, Cumbria, Durham, Cumberland, Lancashire, Greater Manchester, and North Yorkshire—also face heavy snowfall, with snow depths reaching as much as 5cm in some areas.
Counties at risk include Invernesshire, Argyllshire, Perthshire, Ayrshire, Northumberland, Westmorland, Cumbria, Greater Manchester, Durham, Yorkshire, Lancashire, and Cumberland.
READ MORE: Seven New DWP Powers Introduced to Strengthen Fraud Crackdown
READ MORE: Nationwide Announces Mortgage Rate Reductions for Existing Customers Starting Thursday
The Met Office’s December outlook describes an ongoing pattern of unsettled weather, with showers or prolonged spells of rain and occasional strong winds expected across the region. After a relatively calm start, an incoming band of rain and gusty winds will sweep northeast early next week, followed by sunny intervals and scattered showers.
Additional rain systems are predicted to move across all areas over the subsequent days, some accompanied by notably strong winds. While temperatures will generally hover near or slightly above average, the wind and rain will make conditions feel cooler. Frost, fog, and snow will be limited during this period, but hill snow remains a possibility, particularly in northern regions.
The outlook also points to periods of higher pressure that could bring drier, more stable weather compared to the unsettled start to December. This shift may result in increased chances of overnight fog and frost. Overall, temperatures are likely to be close to or just above average, though occasional colder spells could develop, especially during any extended settled weather patterns.
Residents in the affected areas are advised to prepare for challenging travel conditions and stay updated with local weather reports.