Key Highlights
- The UK is facing a 12-hour blizzard starting on Christmas Day.
- Snow is expected to affect major cities across the UK, including Northern Ireland and Scotland.
- The Met Office predicts snow will be confined to higher ground later this month.
- Weather models suggest Boxing Day could bring wintry conditions to millions.
UK Snow Forecast: Blizzards to Hit Major Cities on Christmas Day
The UK is bracing for a significant winter storm, with advanced weather modeling maps indicating a 12-hour blizzard that will hit major cities starting on Christmas Day. According to the GFS weather model, Boxing Day could bring wintry conditions to millions of people across the country.
Forecast Details and Impact
Snow is expected to start falling at midnight on Christmas Day in Northern Ireland and Ireland, according to WXCharts. By 3am on Boxing Day, snow will be seen in several regions including the Peak District, North-West England, and around Queen Elizabeth Forest Park in Scotland. Flurries could also be observed in North Wales, the Pennines, and southern Scotland.
The Galloway Forest Park area is predicted to face particularly intense snowfall during this period.
Snow coverage maps for midday on Boxing Day reveal that western parts of Northern Ireland, north Wales, northern England, and a significant portion of Scotland will have settled snow. This weather event highlights the potential challenges faced by residents and businesses in these regions.
Expert Predictions and Outlook
The Met Office advises that any snow is expected to be confined to higher ground later this month. Their forecast for December 26 to January 9 states: “High pressure will probably become more influential across the UK during this period, leading to an increasing incidence of dry weather compared to the winter so far, especially in the south.” Rain and strong winds remain possible, but snow should be confined to higher elevations in the north. Temperatures are expected to be close to normal.
BBC Weather provides additional insight into the forecast for December 22 to January 4: “There is more uncertainty in the forecast throughout the Christmas period and into the first week of the New Year.
The positive NAO pattern could weaken, allowing high pressure to have a greater influence by the end of December.” This suggests that southern and eastern areas may see less rain, while northern and western regions will still experience wet and windy conditions.
By the New Year and into early January, there are signs that high pressure might take more control over north-western Europe. This could keep Atlantic weather systems at bay, leading to drier and calmer periods. Temperatures will depend on the exact alignment of this potential high-pressure system but are expected to be closer to seasonal averages with a higher chance of frosty nights.
Preparation and Safety Tips
Residents in areas that could see significant snowfall should prepare for potential disruptions, including travel delays and power outages. Local authorities and emergency services will likely issue advisories as the forecast approaches.
The UK’s weather patterns are increasingly influenced by global climate changes, making such intense winter storms more frequent. As we approach Christmas Day, it’s crucial to stay informed about local weather updates and follow safety guidelines provided by meteorologists and public health authorities.
