An incredible weather map has shown the exact date the UK will be completely surrounded by a giant snow bomb days before Christmas. The WXCharts map shows that the that icy weather threatens to cause havoc on the UK on Wednesday, December 20 ahead of the festive weekend when thousands of drivers are expected to take to the roads.
A weather chart predicting the forecast for around 12pm on December 20 shows a huge wall of snow entirely surrounding the UK coastline, with the majority of mainland Britain avoiding a dump of snow and ice. However, even a slight change in weather systems will see the country covered in snow as the mercury drops.
The prediction has come as debate intensifies over whether some parts of the UK will experience a white Christmas.
According to the weather maps, most of the UK will see temperatures plunge below or hover around zero degrees. Furthermore, another weather map has indicated there will be high levels of rain ahead of the big freeze, increasing the risk of icy conditions underfoot.
The Met Office has predicted that some parts of the UK could still experience a white Christmas, but only in some areas. They said that if any snow falls, it will be in small bursts over Scotland or the north of England.
The Met Office long-range forecast said: “It is more likely to be unsettled compared to the preceding settled spell with bands of rain crossing the UK with brighter conditions and showers in between.
“The wettest and windiest conditions are most likely in the west and northwest. The chance of a colder spell of weather, with hazards such as snow and ice, does increase later in December and into the New Year period, they also go on to say. However, conditions are more likely to remain generally mild and wet.”
In a statement discussing the chances of a White Christmas, the Met Office said: “Traditionally we used to use a single location in the country to define a white Christmas, which was the Met Office building in London.
“However, with the increase in betting on where will see a white Christmas, the number of locations has increased and can now include sites such as Buckingham Palace, Belfast (Aldergrove Airport), Aberdeen (Pittodrie Stadium, Aberdeen FC), Edinburgh (Castle), Coronation Street in Manchester and the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff.
“We also analyse the data from our observing stations around the UK to provide a complete picture of where snow has fallen or was lying on Christmas Day.
“The chance of a colder spell of weather, with hazards such as snow and ice, does increase later in December and into the New Year period.”
Today:
After any early rain clears the east a generally fine day for many with sunny spells, and lighter winds. However, some cloud and showers in the north and northwest. Cloud increasing in the far west into the afternoon.
Tonight:
Chilly at first in the north and east with some clear spells. Cloud increasing from the west with bands of heavy rain spreading eastwards accompanied by stronger winds.
Tuesday:
Unsettled with frequent heavy showers, perhaps with the odd rumble of thunder. Longer spells of rain at times, especially in the north. Blustery, especially along the coasts.
Outlook for Wednesday to Friday:
Turning brighter, but colder from the northwest into Wednesday. More rain moving southeast early on Thursday ahead of drier conditions for many on Friday, except the far northwest.
