1 week Ago By Emily Wright
Winter hell is set to be unleashed on the UK as three Arctic snow bombs are predicted to blast the country. As Arctic air heads towards some parts of the country an incredible total of three separate snow dumps are expected over the space of just one week. On Sunday, November 17, maximum temperatures will be between around 3C to 8C across the UK and into Monday morning, November 18, there could be a widespread ground frost as temperatures fall close to freezing.
This drop in temperatures is due to signs of a developing northerly wind which would bring in colder Arctic air. Snow is expected in the hills of Scotland with a chance of "widespread or disruptive" flurries in "more populated areas", the Met Office said. Forecast data collected by WXcharts.
com shows large amounts of snow and low temperatures sweeping across swathes of the British Isles from Monday, November 19. In the early hours, snow depth is forecast to be well below four inches (10cm) for most areas, with England's south coast and Wales' westernmost regions apparently spared. However, by Saturday, November 23, the intensity looks set to increase, with areas around Birmingham potentially seeing as much as nine inches (24cm) of snow.
Wales and parts of England near the border could also see large amounts, while Northern Ireland could get as much as 8cm in some areas. By the Sunday, November 24 it is expected to be warmer in the south, between 2C and 6C, but Scotland will be even more bitterly cold with a big blob of blue covering maps - meaning freezing conditions - on most of the mainland. Temperatures in some areas could plunge to as low as -16C in parts around the Highlands.
The Met Office 's long range forecast for November 18 to 27 says frequent wintry showers are expected during this period, "mainly in the north and along eastern and western coasts where exposed to the strong north to northwesterly flow". It added: "Snow is likely to fall to low levels, especially in the north. Many inland areas may be largely dry with lengthy sunny spells, especially where sheltered from the flow.
" Deputy Chief Meteorologist Mark Sidaway said: “The high pressure that has been responsible for the mainly dry weather through much of this week will retrogress into the Atlantic as we get towards the weekend. "This will gradually introduce more unsettled weather, initially in the north from Friday but more widely from Sunday. "In addition to this increased rainfall, which could be heavy at times on Sunday, temperatures will also drop, especially for those in Scotland , as a northerly airflow develops, bringing colder Arctic air to some northern areas.
"This shift does introduce the possibility of snow, initially over high ground in the north from Sunday, with gusty winds also a potential hazard. "Warnings for winter hazards are possible later in the weekend, so it’s important to stay up to date with the latest forecast.".
