The UK is bracing itself for a new Arctic blast with a massive snow bomb more than 380-miles long expected to hit in the next 10 days. Weather maps show the snow bomb is set to hit Scotland and sweep across the north of England by January 21, with up to 3cm snow falling per hour, according to WX Charts.
A huge swathe of snow will blanket Wick in northeast Scotland to Newcastle in the north of England, with snow also reaching the Yorkshire region.
The Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist David Hayter said: “While the initial snow risk from Sunday [January 14] onwards is looking most likely to be coastal areas in the north of the UK, including North Sea and Irish Sea coasts, there’s an ongoing likelihood of some disruptive snow through the middle to latter part of next week.”
The arctic airmass will exert itself on Britain’s weather systems, as shown by the weather maps, bringing thermometers down to sub-zero temperatures for the entire nation. According to the timing of the cold weather alert, the wrath will start on Sunday and could last for up to a week.
The Met Office states: “What we’re keeping an eye on for this disruptive snow is where exactly this milder air from the southwest bumps into the cold air that will be in place over the UK. It’s where these airmasses meet that there’s a likelihood of some substantial snow for some places.”
Towards the end of next week in Scotland, temperatures are set to fall to below freezing, with meteorologist, Jim Dale, informing Express.co.uk that it all comes down to a “battle” between a brutal Arctic freeze and a milder front from the Atlantic. Separate weather maps show that on January 21, temperatures will plummet to as low as -9C in Scotland, with temperatures barely going above 0C throughout the rest of the country.
Warning of the cold weather to come, Mr Dale said: “The first is that on Sunday [January 14] there’s a front coming from the north, and that will introduce the arctic air. That’s your first step and that is a guarantee. That will see temperatures plummet – potentially minus 10 in Scotland, and minus threes, fours, fives for most of England, Wales and Northern Ireland.”
Extreme cold temperatures can have a serious impact on the health of those over 65 and with pre-existing health conditions.
Dr Agostinho Sousa, Head of Extreme Events and Health Protection at UKHSA, said: “The temperatures we will see leading into the weekend can rapidly have a serious impact on the health of those over the age of 65 and those with pre-existing health conditions as it increases the risk of heart attacks, strokes and chest infections. It is therefore vital to check in on friends, family and neighbours to ensure they are well prepared for the cold weather next week.”
With cool conditions in charge and the potential for snow and ice travel plans could also be impacted across the nation.
RAC Breakdown spokesperson Simon Williams explained what essentials were needed for drivers: “With an increasing risk of snow and ice at the start of next week we urge drivers to make sure they travel fully prepared. Having a few essential items in the boot, no matter what distance you’re going, can make a massive difference in a breakdown situation in freezing conditions.
“A warm, waterproof coat, sturdy footwear and gloves, along with a blanket and a power bank to keep your phone charged are vital.”
Friday, January 12 until Tuesday, January 16
Headline:
Rather cloudy, feeling chilly, rain in the north later.
Today:
An often cloudy day but mostly dry, with occasional sunny intervals and the odd spot of drizzle possible over the hills. Still feeling rather chilly for most with generally light winds. Some rain arriving later in northern Scotland.
Tonight:
Patchy rain slowly edging south across Scotland. Mostly dry elsewhere and rather cloudy. Some cloud breaks, where patchy fog and frost is likely to form.
Saturday:
Another rather cloudy day with some sunny spells developing. Patchy rain moving south on Saturday, but becoming lighter. Winds turning northerly and freshening, feeling colder in the north.
Outlook for Sunday to Tuesday:
Patchy rain moving south into Sunday with much colder and brighter conditions following. Showers turning to snow to low levels in the north Monday. More significant snow possible on Tuesday.
