Key Highlights
- The South West of England is expected to experience temperatures dropping to a maximum of 5C and several centimetres of snow on November 19.
- New weather maps predict as much as 3cm of snow could fall in southwest England within weeks.
- A significant temperature drop is forecasted for the UK, with sub-zero temperatures predicted for Scotland.
- The South West will endure bitter conditions, with maximums of just 5C in parts of south Cornwall and as low as 1C further north.
Forecasting a Chilly Spell in the UK: Snow in the South West
As the United Kingdom prepares for another cold snap, weather maps from WXCharts predict that large parts of the West Country are set to experience a significant temperature drop, with several centimetres of snow expected on Thursday, November 19. This follows a dreariest October in six decades and a mild, wet start to November.
UK’s Climate Struggles: A Look Back
The UK is bracing for a sharp temperature drop within weeks, with large parts of the South West, including Devon, Cornwall, and Dorset, forecasted to see temperatures dip to a maximum of 5C. According to WXCharts weather maps generated on November 6, a major portion of the south coast of England and Wales is predicted to be blanketed in clouds of blue, green, and purple, indicating substantial rainfall.
Major cities like London and Southampton could face up to 1.5cm/hr of rain, while key settlements such as Cardiff and Plymouth can expect a decent dusting of snow. Inverness-shire, Scotland’s largest county by land area, is anticipated to be the chilliest, with temperatures dropping to -5C, while northern Scotland faces icy lows of -4C and -3C.
Historical Context: The UK’s Coldest November on Record
The UK’s most frigid November on record occurred in 1919, when the average temperature reached a chilling 2.3C. On November 14 of that year, Braemar in Aberdeenshire logged an even lower daily minimum temperature of -23.3C—documented as the lowest ever recorded for November in the UK.
However, it’s important to note that the Met Office’s long-range outlook does not extend beyond November 19 yet. The current forecast states: “Changeable and at times unsettled weather is likely to continue into the start of this period, with low pressure dominating the UK.” This means further showery outbreaks of rain are expected, though western areas will be the wettest initially.
Expert Analysis: Preparing for the Cold Snap
While the exact duration and intensity of these cold conditions remain uncertain beyond November 19, experts predict that a transition to a less unsettled weather pattern becomes increasingly probable from around the 11th or 12th of the month. This will likely bring drier weather and winds turning south-easterly or easterly.
Temperatures are most likely to be around average through the period, particularly at first, and probably overall. As the UK braces for what could be a challenging winter, meteorologists advise residents in affected regions to prepare accordingly, ensuring they have adequate heating and insulation measures in place.
The forecast has caught many off guard after an unusually mild start to November, emphasizing the unpredictability of weather patterns in the UK. As the region prepares for potential snowfall on Thursday, November 19, authorities are urging citizens to stay informed and take necessary precautions to ensure safety and comfort during this period of colder weather.
