Britain is set to be battered by brutal cold weather conditions as latest weather maps turn purple and reveal a continuous spell of snow lasting 96 hours in the coming week.
Some areas in the northernmost parts of the UK could see up to 20cm of snowfall per hour as the temperature levels plummet to teeth-chattering -7C.
Latest weather maps show areas in Scotland covered with ice and snow from February 8 until February 11.
Areas in Scotland such as Inverness, Aberdeen, Wick, and Edinburgh are set to be the most affected by the upcoming winter spell. However, certain parts of England and Wales are also set to see a blanket of snow. These areas include Cardiff, Plymouth, Birmingham, and Manchester.
Inverness is expected to see snowfall starting on February 8, and this precipitation is anticipated to progressively extend to southern areas. By February 9, the snow is projected to encompass a 473-mile stretch from Wick to Manchester within a few hours.
The Met Office’s extended forecast includes the possibility of hill snow during the upcoming weekend, and it suggests the likelihood of colder conditions emerging in the second week of February.
Phil Morrish, a weather expert had told Express.co.uk: “There’s a possibility of more snow by Thursday and Friday next week as the cold weather starts to push down from Scotland.
“By this time next week, it looks much colder. The day temperatures in southern England are going down to 2-3C and 1-2C in northern England.”
“There will be ground frost at night with temperatures down to -5C to -7C in Scotland with some snow around. It’s too early to say how much snow there will be or how long it will last, but it looks like the cold spell will be here for at least three or four days.”
The Met Office’s long-range forecast between February 7 and 16 stated: “Initially unsettled with cloud and rain across a still mild south whilst clearer and colder conditions across the north with some wintry showers in the far north.
“Rain likely pushing back north late in the week with potential for snow for a time across the northern edge of this alongside gusty winds. Through the weekend a change toward a north or north-westerly wind will bring cold conditions spreading across the UK with wintry showers across coasts but clearer inland as rain clears southeast.
“A further change of type expected by mid-week as high pressure becomes increasingly dominant allowing winds to drop. Temperatures potentially recovering to average with this, though any prolonged clear skies liable to bring localised frosts and fog risk.”
Meanwhile, the Met Office has issued a fresh weather warning over the weekend as the UK braces for another spell of snow next week.
The yellow weather warning for rain is expected to affect areas in western Scotland from Sunday at 6pm until 9pm on Monday – bringing travel disruption, power cuts and flooding.
Today:
Largely cloudy, mild and breezy across Wales, central and southern England with rain and drizzle across western parts. Some brighter interludes possible to the east. Windy in the north and temperatures more towards average, with sunny spells and blustery showers.
Tonight:
Cloudy, drizzly and mild in the south. Clearer to the north, and chillier, with strong winds and showers. These merging to persistent rain across Northern Ireland, northwest Scotland and England.
Sunday:
Largely cloudy with drizzle and hill fog, and areas of persistent rain in the northwest. Some sunny spells to the east. Largely mild with strong winds continuing in the north.
Outlook for Monday to Wednesday:
Mostly cloudy with rain at times. Some brighter interludes on offer too. Often windy though easing on Wednesday. Staying mild in the south but feeling chilly in the north.
