The UK is facing significant snowfall this December, with some areas expecting up to eight inches of snow, according to recent WXCharts forecasts. On December 1, large swathes of the country, particularly Scotland and northern England, will turn white as snow settles from the Highlands down to Newcastle.
Meteorological data based on the GFS model indicates snowfall rates reaching up to 10mm per hour at times, with flurries expected to continue through to December 4. The Highlands may see accumulations of up to 9cm, while Dundee is forecasted to receive around 3cm. Northern England, including Northumberland, is particularly vulnerable, but western regions, the West Midlands, and even parts of the southern coast stretching to Greater London will also experience snow dustings.
Despite these widespread conditions, 13 counties in England are predicted to remain largely snow-free. These include Cambridgeshire, Oxfordshire, Lincolnshire, Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, Kent, Berkshire, Wiltshire, Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, and Northamptonshire.
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The short-term BBC Weather outlook highlights a windy and wet start, with cloud bands and blustery rain moving in from the northwest. The southeast will see drier, brighter spells until dusk. Showers in northern Scotland will veer wintry, while southern and central areas will face heavy rain on December 2. By Sunday, rain will clear eastern areas, giving way to dry and bright conditions, though more rain is expected to the west later.
Heading into next week, unsettled weather will continue with heavy rain and windy conditions on Monday, followed by breezy, variable cloud and scattered coastal showers on Tuesday. Although the weekend will be chilly, temperatures may rise slightly on Monday for some regions.
Residents are advised to prepare for snowy and challenging conditions, particularly in the north and Midlands, while those in the spared counties can expect comparatively milder weather.