15 February 2024 , 09:09
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An enormous 500-mile-wide Arctic blast will careen through the UK in a matter of days after Brits were granted a brief respite from the freezing wintry conditions.
The new charts from weather forecaster Metdesk show the enormous weather front sweeping in eastwards from the Atlantic and stretching across the majority of the British Isles before making landfall on Friday February 23. Some parts of Scotland are forecast to be hit with as much as 2cm of the white stuff per hour. As the front moves south, the band will smash through the north east, north Wales and stretching down to some parts of the north west.
According to current predictions, the show snowers will hit a number of areas across the country later this month. Conditions are also set to take a chilly turn, with temperatures as low as -7C in some parts of Britain. Experts say this is because the polar vortex is getting weaker, with colder air beginning to move in. WX Charts data says the snowy weather could start on February 21.
Temperatures are expected to drop to below zero in some parts, including in Wales and parts of the north of England. Much of England will see a cold 0C.
Widespread snow will be returning to the UK soon, according to new forecast maps (Getty Images)In Scotland, temperatures will fall to a low -7C. Jason Nicholls, lead international forecaster and senior meteorologist at Accuweather.com, said a weakened polar vortex could lead to snow. He said: "The polar vortex will weaken and become stretched late this week or weekend but the thrust of the cold looks to be aimed for central and eastern Asia. I can see some colder air trying to push into the UK during the last week of February but nothing like the Beast from the East."
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The cold snap is due to hit on February 23 according to Metdesk forecasts (WXCHARTS.COM)"I cannot rule out snow in the hills and in Scotland during the period but not sure there is much snow in the southern UK." In its long-range forecast for February 18 to February 27, the Met Office said: "Higher pressure on Sunday with bright or sunny spells across much of the UK, though this could bring a greater incidence of night-time frosts and fog."
Temperatures will plunge several degrees below zero before the end of the month (Getty Images)It added: "Risk of a few heavier showers developing by day across the west and north, but for most staying dry. Staying mild and feeling warm in the sunshine. How long this drier weather lasts is uncertain, as mild, cloudy conditions with outbreaks of rain or drizzle are expected to return from the west or southwest either later in the week or during the following weekend. Northern parts of the UK may see the best of any remaining dry and frosty conditions, with the south most likely to see the majority of the rainfall."