As colder air sweeps across the United Kingdom, weather experts are warning of significant snowfalls and icy conditions that could cause travel disruptions and health concerns. Starting Sunday, cold weather alerts and Met Office yellow warnings will come into force, lasting well into the coming week.
Temperatures are expected to dip significantly below the mid-November average, leading to frosty nights and cold daytime conditions across the country. Snow is likely to be especially disruptive in parts of northern England, North Wales, and the Midlands, with the most severe weather hitting by Tuesday morning.
The cold snap begins with wintry showers in Northern Scotland on Sunday, where snow is expected to accumulate on higher ground. A yellow Met Office weather warning for severe conditions will take effect on Sunday and last into Monday. In some areas, up to 10 cm of snow could accumulate at lower levels, and up to 15 cm could settle on higher ground, particularly across northern Scotland.
Colder Weather is Expected to Persist
As the cold air settles, temperatures will drop rapidly, leading to the coldest night of the autumn season so far, with rural areas potentially experiencing temperatures as low as minus 8°C. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has also issued a cold weather health alert covering the Midlands and northern regions of England, warning of increased risks for vulnerable individuals and a potential strain on health services throughout the week.
By Monday, rain is expected to turn to snow as the weather system responsible moves north-eastwards, bringing heavy snowfalls to southern Scotland, northern England, north Wales, and the Midlands. Up to 15-20 cm of snow could settle on the high ground of the south Pennines, and even at lower levels, between 2-10 cm of snow is likely. Icy stretches could also form, causing travel disruption, particularly on higher trans-Pennine routes by Tuesday morning.
Forecasting snow at lower levels during mid-November is challenging, as the ground is still relatively warm compared to the typical winter months. However, heavier precipitation could lead to sleet and snow settling on the ground in some towns and cities, especially as the weather system moves southeastward across the Midlands and eastern England on Tuesday morning.
Snow in November: How Unusual Is It?
While snowfall in Scotland’s mountainous regions is expected during this time of year, significant snowfalls across England and Wales are relatively rare. The air during mid-November is generally not cold enough to support snow at lower levels, and even if it does fall, it is less likely to settle enough to cause disruption. However, in particularly cold years, snow at lower altitudes can cause major disruption. Past cold snaps, including those in 2010 and 1993, have seen significant snowfalls in England, with parts of northeast England and Scotland receiving up to 30-40 cm of snow.
In 2010, a late-November cold snap led to the coldest December on record for the UK, showing that when conditions are right, November can bring substantial snowfalls. This year, it’s expected that the snow could be disruptive, particularly in areas that don’t typically see significant snowfalls this early in the season.
How Long Will the Cold Weather Last?
The current cold spell is expected to last for about a week in some areas, with temperatures remaining low and frost continuing into the mornings. While there will be some bright and sunny periods, wintry showers are likely to continue, especially in Scotland and northern England. These showers will bring a persistent risk of snow over higher ground, particularly on Monday and Tuesday.
By the weekend, a shift in wind patterns is expected to bring milder south-westerly winds, accompanied by wet and windy weather. This transition will bring some relief from the current cold spell, although there will still be a brief period of snow before the weather warms up. Snow could fall briefly over higher ground as milder weather moves in, but it is expected to thaw quickly once the warm air sets in.
Conclusion
The United Kingdom is set to experience a particularly cold week ahead, with heavy snowfalls and icy conditions disrupting travel and daily life. The wintry weather will cause difficulties particularly in northern England, North Wales, and the Midlands. Although snowfall in November is not typically widespread, this year’s conditions are expected to bring significant disruption, especially in regions that don’t often see heavy snow this early in the season. As the week progresses, temperatures will remain well below average, and snow showers will continue, adding to the potential challenges. The shift to milder weather by the weekend will bring some respite, but the cold snap’s impact is expected to last through the week.