Weather maps show up to 5cm of snow will each hour during the blizzard, believed to arrive from the Arctic on February 11, and its impact will be quite widespread
Just two regions will dodge a fierce Arctic blizzard in less than two weeks’ time, forecasters warn.
Northern Ireland and the South West of England will be spared of the white stuff when temperatures plunge dramatically on or around February 11. However, striking weather maps from WXCharts show the vast majority of the UK will be affected by the snow.
The Scottish Highlands will see the heaviest of the snow, approximately 20cm across a three-hour period. Other areas will see a little less – 5cm each hour – during the quick blizzard, which will sweep rapidly across the UK as a result of strong westerly winds.
Manchester and Newcastle are among the places to be worst hit in England, it is thought. However, snow is unlikely to fall at all across Northern Ireland and the South West of England, where instead rain is possible.
The bleak forecast is anticipated by meteorolgists at MetDesk, which provides data for WXCharts. Conversely, alternative forecaster the Met Office is yet to be drawn on blizzards for around February 11. It does, though, state frost and “colder spells” are likely throughout mid February, particularly across southern England.
But the concerning graphics from the MetDesk allude to sub-zero temperatures for many parts, including Lancashire and Cumbria. The weather service stresses the picture may change in the two weeks ahead.
And, in reference to the period of Monday February 3 to Wednesday February 12, the Met Office writes on its website: “Periods of wet weather are likely to affect northwestern parts of the UK at times, particularly early in this period. Some heavy rain is possible and this is likely to be accompanied by spells of strong winds.
“South of this, across the rest of the UK, it is likely to be more settled and whilst some rain can’t be ruled out at times, there is likely to be plenty of dry weather through this period. Winds will be lighter and this will bring the risk of overnight frost and fog. Overall, temperatures will be close to normal for most, but it is likely to be mild at times in the northwest. Brief colder spells are likely here in between weather systems though.”
