The Met Office has explained the deeper meaning behind new weather maps that suggest snow will wreak havoc across the UK as the new month arrives. Maps from WXCHARTS indicate a risk of snow hitting lower-ground, in northern areas, from around March 3.
The latest GFS runs predict snow will lay across nearly all of Scotland, with eastern coasts such as Aberdeen missing much of the wrath, from around midday. The illustrations show wintry showers hitting as low down as towns and villages in the vicinity of Manchester and Liverpool.
The Met Office has not fully ruled out any claims of widespread snow hitting – and disrupting – the UK from this weekend. It says some areas where there will be “less cloud” could be susceptible to overnight frosts as the mercury nosedives.
Grahame Madge, a spokesman for the forecaster, told Express.co.uk: “Aside from the Scottish mountains, there isn’t strong potential for any snow until the latter part of this week when a move to cooler conditions provides a stronger signal for snow over high ground and the risk of overnight frost in areas away from cloud.”
There are currently no weather warnings in place for snow, but this may change if signals become even stronger. Mr Madge also turned his attentions to later in March, when another cold spell may rear its head.
“As we enter March, temperatures are likely to be slightly below average, although any snowfall is likely to be largely restricted to northern hills,” he added.
“Further into the month, there is an increased chance of high pressure which would, in turn, increase the likelihood of prolonged drier spells and slightly colder than average conditions.”
Weather maps from Netweather forecasters predict a second swing of easterly winds will actually engulf nearly all of the country by March 10, bringing daytime temperatures down to lows of -4C in Kent and around -1C in the Midlands.
Precipitation maps indicate a large band of snow will track from the east, pushing across eastern Britain, specifically covering the eastern coastline in its entirety.
The forecaster’s long-range forecast, updated daily, looks at the weather patterns from March 2 to 21 and predicts a complete mixed bag for the UK going forward. People may see spring-like weather in places, most likely the south, while others may be drenched in rain.
It says: “Next weekend is likely to continue in an unsettled mood, though temperatures should slowly recover to near average for early March, though still with some frost by night in one or two places.
“All areas of the UK will be at risk of further showers (any snow limited to northern hills), with a chance of longer spells of rain in the south particularly at first.
“There will be drier interludes between times though, with some pleasant spring sunshine, especially in places sheltered from the often strong winds.
“The following week is likely to remain fairly mixed overall, but there may be a greater incidence of dry spells and early spring sunshine, especially in eastern areas. Temperatures are likely to be fairly typical, with a few overnight frosts still likely.”
Despite the common belief that the country becomes far less likely to get snow by late-March, the forecaster has said this isn’t necessarily the case.
“During the rest of the month, there no especially strong signals other than climatology at this stage,” it continued. “Days of occasional warmth are more likely towards the end of the month as the sun continues to strengthen, and rainfall amounts would typically decrease a little in this period, even though some wet and windy days are still likely.
“Winter hazards such as snow, and overnight frost and ice could occur anywhere, as often happens in March, but are most likely towards the north of the country.”
