The UK is bracing for its first significant snowfall of the winter as Arctic air sweeps across the country, bringing temperatures as low as -4°C. More than 20 towns, villages, and settlements could see snow from Monday onward, with Shropshire among the areas expecting heavy snowfall.
Following widespread rain caused by Storm Claudia, the Met Office forecasts a stark change in weather conditions this week. A high-pressure system will dominate this weekend before moving southwards toward the Azores, allowing cold northerly winds to push down into the UK.
As this Arctic air spreads, temperatures are expected to drop sharply across the nation, potentially triggering winter-like conditions and snow in several regions. Early Monday morning could see temperatures plummet to -4°C in parts of Scotland.
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This cold snap is set to intensify and extend nationwide over the following days, with overnight lows reaching -2°C in North West England by Tuesday and widespread lows between 0-2°C across central England and Scotland on Wednesday. Alongside the cold, there is an increasing likelihood of sleet and snow, especially on hills and mountains throughout Scotland, Northern Ireland, northern England, and possibly North Wales.
Looking ahead to the end of next week, the Met Office warns of a widespread wintry spell that could bring snowfall even to southern parts of the UK. According to forecast data from OpenWeather, snow may begin Monday in Scottish and North East regions, spreading to parts of Wales on Tuesday and potentially reaching Gloucestershire in the South West later in the week. Northern Ireland may also see snow by Wednesday.
Residents are advised to prepare for cold and snowy conditions as winter weather sets in across much of the UK.