Key Takeaways
- Parts of the UK, including western Scotland and southern England, are expected to experience snow flurries of up to 2 inches later this week
- The snow is forecasted to start on Thursday, December 4, and continue into Friday, with the heaviest snowfall expected in Scotland
- The Met Office warns of "wet and windy" conditions in western and southern areas, moving north and east on Thursday
- The weekend is expected to bring sunny spells, alongside continued "blustery" weather, with strong winds returning on Sunday
- Temperatures will generally be near or above average, but feeling cold in the wind and rain
Introduction to the Weather Forecast
The UK is bracing itself for a potentially snowy start to December, with parts of western Scotland and southern England expected to experience flurries of up to 2 inches later this week. According to forecasts from WXCharts, three counties in Scotland and a handful in southwest England and Wales will get a seasonal burst of wintry weather over the next 48 hours. This is likely to bring a welcome touch of winter magic to these areas, although it may also cause some disruption to travel and daily life.
The Snow Forecast
The new weather maps show a rainy front descending across a stretch of the western coast from around midday on Thursday, December 4, before turning into light snowfall on the Devon coast. By 3am on Friday morning, snow depths are expected to have concentrated in a corner of the southwest, falling at around 1mm per hour near Bristol and Swansea. The snow flurries will turn to widespread drizzle across nearly the whole country on Friday evening, however, except for a stretch of Scotland, where a fresh blitz of snow is expected, reaching up to 2 inches by 9pm. This snowfall is likely to be welcome news for those who enjoy winter sports, such as skiing and snowboarding, although it may also cause some difficulties for commuters and travelers.
The Met Office Forecast
The Met Office’s forecast for the rest of the week warns of "wet and windy" conditions in western and southern areas, moving north and east on Thursday. This is likely to bring a spell of unsettled weather, with rain and strong winds affecting many parts of the country. The weekend is expected to usher in sunny spells, alongside continued "blustery" weather, according to estimates, with strong winds kicking back in with full force on Sunday. The Met Office also predicts a "continuation of unsettled conditions" into next week, with "further showers or longer spells of rain and some strong winds affecting all parts".
Temperature and Weather Conditions
Temperatures will generally be near or a little above average, but feeling cold in the wind and rain, according to the Met Office. The forecaster notes that there will be "little in the way of frost, fog and snow" in this unsettled spell, which may come as a relief to those who are not fond of extreme winter weather. However, the wind and rain are likely to make it feel chilly, especially in exposed areas. It is essential to wrap up warm and stay dry to make the most of the winter weather.
Conclusion and Outlook
In conclusion, the UK is set for a potentially snowy start to December, with parts of western Scotland and southern England expected to experience flurries of up to 2 inches later this week. The Met Office warns of "wet and windy" conditions in western and southern areas, moving north and east on Thursday, with the weekend bringing sunny spells and continued "blustery" weather. Temperatures will generally be near or above average, but feeling cold in the wind and rain. It is essential to stay up to date with the latest weather forecast to plan accordingly and make the most of the winter weather.