Exactly when huge snowstorm will leave entire country blanketed - shocking map
The Met Office has warned of "disruptive snow" with an arctic airmass set to bring further cold air to the UK - as weather maps show when snow will strike.
Deputy chief meteorologist David Hayter said a northerly airflow will bring arctic air to the UK from Sunday, with snow showers focused around Northern Ireland and northern areas of Scotland. Meanwhile, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has a cold-health alert in force, warning of the weather's potential to have a "significant" impact on the health and social care sector.
WXCharts show wintry showers covering the UK from next Friday evening (January 19). It comes after parts of the south were hit by snow earlier this week. Mr Hayter said there is an "ongoing likelihood" of some disruptive snow. "While the initial snow risk from Sunday 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," Mr Hayter said.
WX Charts show snow covering the UK from next Friday (WXCHARTS)"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. At the moment, models are showing us a variety of options for exactly when and how this situation plays out and it's something we'll be able to add more details to in the coming days."
Dr Agostinho Sousa, head of extreme events and health protection at UKHSA, said it was "vital" to check in on friends, family and neighbours. "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," he said.
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Ahead of the weekend, the weather is expected to be "cloudier" but with some clearer spells over Scotland, Northern Ireland and Cumbria. Overnight temperatures are forecast to be sub-zero for many.
The Met Office is forecasting heavy snow next week (PA)Exacta Weather forecaster James Madden earlier said he believed we could see snow right across the country. He says the snow risk is greater than any year since 2010. He said: "Over the next few weeks, there will be a high chance of snow with the risk higher than the same period over the past few years or indeed, since the big freeze of 2010.
Advanced weather modelling maps from WXCharts show snow could cover almost the entire country by the end of next week. Elevated regions in the Brecon Beacons and Cairngorms National Park could see around 40cm settled on the ground by Sunday, January 21. More generally, as much as 25cm could settle elsewhere in Scotland, 17cm in Wales, 8cm in the north of England, 11cm in the Midlands and 6cm further south.
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