The exact date Britain is to be blasted by 54 hours of snow has been revealed as temperatures are set to plunge to -4C.
Weather maps from WXCharts show a snow wall will hit the UK from Thursday until Saturday. On Thursday morning (February 8), cities such as Manchester, Birmingham, and Inverness will be hit hard by a 611-mile wall of snow.
The maps forecast that Birmingham and Manchester will be hit by around one to nine centimetres of snow per hour while Inverness could see a snow depth of one around one to five centimetres.
Further south, the likes of London and Cardiff are more likely to see heavy rain while cities in the south and south west such as Southampton and Plymouth could be subject to drier conditions.
On Friday, the weather is set to become slightly milder across England and Wales and much colder in Scotland. Scottish cities such as Edinburgh, Inverness, and Aberdeen will be subject to sub-zero temperatures as low as -4C in some places.
Further south, in England and Wales, temperatures will rise to as high as 5C during the day before falling overnight.
The weather maps come days after the Met Office warned the weather was going to turn much colder towards the end of the week as the UK braces for its latest big chill of the winter.
In a statement, Deputy Chief Meteorologist for the Met Office Chris Almond warned: “There’s an increased signal for wintry hazards as we move through the week as cold air from the north moves over the UK.
“It’s from Thursday that the snow risk becomes potentially impactful, as mild air attempts to move back in from the south, bumping into the cold air and increasing the chance of snow where the two systems meet.
“While there are still lots of details to work out, the initial snow risk looks highest in northern England and Wales from Thursday.
“1-2cm is possible to low levels, with 10-20cm possible over the highest ground within the warning area. This snow is likely gradually change to sleet and rain later on from the south.”
The snow, ice, and heavy rain are likely to cause severe travel disruption on the roads and railways as it has done with previous storms.
National Network Manager at National Highways Amy Shaw said: “Freezing conditions bring hazards such as snow and ice, so take every possible step to understand your journey in advance and allow lots of extra time when travelling to prepare for the unexpected.
“It is therefore always important to plan ahead for your journey, check the weather forecasts, and if weather conditions become challenging, adjust your driving behaviour and take extra care.”
Tuesday, February 6 until Saturday, February 10
Headline:
Rain moving south today, turning colder in the north.
This Evening and Tonight:
Rain will continue to sink southwards tonight, clearing most of the south coast in the early hours. Largely dry elsewhere with a widespread frost and icy patches. Wintry showers will continue in northern Scotland, with a risk of icy stretches.
Wednesday:
Dry, sunny and chilly for most. Sunshine will be hazy in the south, before rain returns to the southwest later. Sleet, hail and snow showers continuing in Scotland.
Outlook for Thursday to Saturday:
Rain, sleet and snow pushes north on Thursday, heavy rain in the south. Largely cloudy on Friday and Saturday with some rain in the south, and wintry showers further north.
