Overview
- The Met Office says there is a reasonable chance of snowfall next week and that the probability increases through the period as polar air spreads south.
- Forecast maps from the Met Office, WX Charts and Metdesk point to initial snow across northern Scotland and the North East from Monday into Tuesday, with a long wintry band moving into northern and eastern England overnight Tuesday into Wednesday.
- Temperatures are forecast to drop several degrees below normal, with lows near -4C in parts of Scotland and around -2C in north-west England early next week.
- Hills and higher ground in Scotland, Northern Ireland, northern England and possibly North Wales carry the highest risk, while some model runs indicate a chance of light snow reaching parts of central England, subject to track and accumulation uncertainty.
- The Met Office warns of sleet and ice hazards as rain falls onto cold surfaces, and driving experts urge motorists to prepare vehicles, carry winter kits and fully clear ice and snow to avoid fines and improve safety.