A severe cold front is set to sweep across the UK before the end of February, bringing temperatures plummeting as low as -12C in some regions. According to new weather maps from WX Charts, which utilize Met Desk data, much of the country will face significant snow and freezing conditions by 6am on Saturday, February 21.
The only exception will be the southwest of England, where Devon and Cornwall are forecasted to remain above freezing. The harshest cold is expected to hit northern Scotland, where temperatures may drop to -12C. In England, freezes of up to -7C and -5C are predicted at times.
Snowfall accumulation could reach up to 13cm in central Scotland, with the northeast of England facing light dustings of around 2cm. Further south, the Midlands and Wales can expect around 1cm of snow, impacting areas including Birmingham and the surrounding West and East Midlands.
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Almost the entire country—excluding the southwest—will be under a blanket of snow, according to the GFS forecasting system and advanced meteorological models.
The Met Office’s forecast for Tuesday, February 10, mentions: “Another dull start with outbreaks of rain and drizzle. A spell of heavy rain will move into the south, followed by sunshine and showers. Staying cloudy and damp elsewhere.”
Looking ahead to Wednesday through Friday (February 11 to 13), the outlook states: “Staying unsettled at first with further outbreaks of rain for many. Turning colder and brighter on Friday with a chance of snow showers, particularly in the north and east.”
This cold snap coincides with the Met Office’s launch of its most significant scientific upgrade in more than three years, enhancing the UK’s weather and climate forecasting capabilities. This new system promises clearer, more accurate, and more intuitive forecasts, better reflecting real-world weather conditions.
Professor Simon Vosper, Met Office Director of Science, commented: “This is the biggest positive step in our forecasting systems for many years. The improvements we’re introducing will make our forecasts more accurate, more useful, and more reflective of real-world weather. It marks the beginning of a new era powered by our supercomputing investment and will deliver substantial benefits for the public, partners, and sectors across the UK.”