Snow looks set to batter the UK twice in the coming days with temperatures plunging below freezing in the north, the latest weather maps show.
The first snowfall arrives in Scotland with up to 5cm in parts of Inverness-shire, Ross & Cromarty and Sutherland by midday on February 22, according to WX Charts.
Parts of north west England look set for a light dusting of snow too on the same date, with areas in Midlothian, East Lothian, Berwickshire, Roxburghshire, Selkirkshire and Peeblesshire also affected, WX Charts’ weather maps show. A swathe of western Wales from Anglesey to Pembrokeshire might also see some snow and rain too.
WX Charts’ weather maps show Britain divided with snow in the western half of the country and rain in the east at midday on February 25. Two days later, a maximum 8cm of snow will fall per hour in parts of western Scotland in a band of snow stretching from the north of that country down possibly as far as Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire, according to WX Charts.
Rain appears across much of the rest of England and Wales on the same date, with most of Norfolk, Suffolk and Pembrokeshire looking as if they are the only areas which could stay dry, according to WX Charts’ maps.
Weather expert Phil Morrish cautioned that as with most other cold signals this winter when we get to within five days of them they water down considerably.
He told Express.co.uk the first half of this week will be very mild with temperatures in southern Britain between 13C-16C during Sunday to Wednesday with more rain and possible flooding.
Mr Morrish added: “On Wednesday, strong winds are likely as a gale comes in from the west with more rain. After this it looks like winds will switch into the north west on Thursday and temperatures will return to average which is 7C-8C in the south, 5C-7C in the north.
“A few wintery showers are possible but there is not yet a signal for anything significantly cold. A few overnight frosts are possible but snow is confined to high ground above 200m in Scotland at the moment.
“Apart from the high ground late next week I don’t see much snow falling but temps will return to normal next weekend so it will feel cooler.”
Met Office UK five day weather forecast
Saturday, February 17 – Wednesday, February 21
Headline: Often cloudy with rain pushing eastwards during the afternoon.
Today (February 17): A largely dry day to start with some mist and fog patches though a few spots of drizzle. Turning unsettled from the west through the afternoon with a band of rain, heavy at times, pushing eastwards. Remaining mild and breezier
Tonight: Outbreaks of rain and drizzle continuing to push eastwards, turning heavy at times. Rain gradually clearing much of the country by dawn, though lingering in the southeast. Another mild night.
Sunday (February 18): Some early mist and fog patches to start in the west, with rain in the east slowly clearing. Elsewhere, a largely dry day with occasional sunny spells and showers. Mild.
Outlook for Monday (February 19) to Wednesday (February 21): Showery rain pushing southeastwards on Monday followed by showers in the north. Further rain in the north overnight Tuesday sinking southwards. Unsettled for many on Wednesday. Staying fairly mild.
