Long-range UK weather maps have revealed a -3C ‘Beast from the East’ hammering into Britain within days. Spring may soon have sprung, but until then Britain will continue to have to wade through the end of winter. New radar data from WX Charts is showing incoming snowfall, icy conditions and sub-zero temperatures at the start of next month, with some areas seeing the mercury fall as low as -3C.
However, Brits should remain cautious to jump to any conclusions about how chilly or not the start of next month will be, as this is a long-range forecast. Indeed, when it comes to snow, the Met Office is clear that snow forecasts are unreliable more than two days out from the date in question.
That said, the Met Office’s own long-range forecasts strike a similar tone to the predictions from WX Charts. According to the new radar data, on March 8 a large band of snow can be seen hovering in the North Sea off the east coast of Scotland. The band appears to stretch from the northern tip of the British Isles to around Newcastle.
Snow or not, that day most of the country is predicted to be frosted over with temperatures falling as low as -3C in central Scotland. Moving further south in Cumbria the temperatures are expected to increase by a degree or two.
Residents south of the North York Moors should see the mercury above 0C at around noon on March 8.
According to a map of western and central Europe provided by WX Charts, the UK is set to be one of the coldest areas in the continent, with most areas of the mainland above freezing at 6am on March 8.
Predicting the long-range forecast for the start of March, a spokesperson for the Met Office said: “A dry start to this period is most likely in the south of the UK, with some night-time frost and perhaps patchy fog, but rain will already by making its way into northern parts of the UK on Tuesday, spreading south.
“This sets the scene for a generally unsettled pattern that is likely to continue through to early March. Spells of rain are expected across all areas at times, wettest overall in the west and northwest, where it will also sometimes be windy.
“Temperatures are most likely to be around or a little above average, though some short-lived colder interludes that would allow sleet or snow to fall to lower levels are possible at times, these more likely in the north.”
Headline: Staying unsettled with further spells of wind and rain.
Today:
A band of heavy squally rain will move southeastwards, bringing a risk of thundery conditions. Sunny spells to follow and blustery showers. A risk of gales developing for a time in the south. Temperatures returning to average.
Tonight:
Scattered showers for the west and north, risk of snow on hills across Wales, northwest England and parts of Scotland. Temperatures close to average with widespread frost in the north.
Friday:
Breezy with sunny spells and showers. Can be heavy at times with a risk of thunder and hail. Most showers in the west and along southern coasts.
Outlook for Saturday to Monday:
Sunny spells and blustery showers on Saturday, falling as snow over northern hills. Perhaps turning wetter and winder across southern parts heading into Sunday. Near average temperatures.
