UK weather maps have turned orange with the country put on high alert for plunging temperatures as the mercury dips before the arrival of Christmas and December
A colossal 411-mile snow storm is set to hammer the UK within days, with weather maps flashing orange as the nation goes on high alert.
Temperatures are expected to plummet ahead of Christmas and December, setting the stage for a frosty festive season. December 7 is marked as the prime time for snow flurries and significant build-up, according to WX Charts’ projections that put the country squarely in the path of this snowy onslaught.
Newcastle, Cumbria, and Northumberland are set to bear the brunt for England, with Greater Manchester also in the danger zone. Meanwhile, Cornwall and the south west could face a battering of heavy rain. Three regions can breathe a sigh of relief, including much of the Midlands and Northern Ireland, which are predicted to stay dry, reports Birmingham Live.
Heavy rain is expected in some parts of England and Wales, with Plymouth and Southampton bracing for up to 75-80mm. Areas such as London, Birmingham and Cardiff may see 35-40mm, according to weather maps.
Temperatures are likely to hover around 0-1C in Scotland while reaching 4-5C in England and Wales.
It comes after Storm Bert battered the UK last week, causing widespread flooding in some areas and forcing residents to flee their homes. The Met Office’s early December forecast suggests that areas dodging the snow will see dry, clear and sunny spells.
The Met Office says: “Mainly dry with some clear or sunny spells but rather cold towards the southeast at first as high pressure over the continent extends its influence here. Cloudier, windier and milder in the north and west with some outbreaks of rain.”
The forecast continues: “Early next week, it looks like the rain in the west will edge further east, bringing a short spell of rain to the east. High pressure may then re-assert itself close to or over the UK through early December. The largely dry, settled theme may be punctuated by brief unsettled spells though with areas of low pressure possibly crossing the UK, bringing some spells of wind and rain.”
It adds: “Temperatures generally near average, but some overnight frost is likely, and rather cold by day where any fog persists.”
