A powerful snowstorm is set to hit the UK, covering a massive 350-mile stretch and bringing heavy rain, strong winds, and freezing temperatures. The latest WXCharts forecast predicts that on February 27 and 28, parts of England, Scotland, and Wales will be blanketed in snow, with travel chaos and hazardous conditions expected.
The storm is reportedly forecast to impact 39 cities, with 28 in England alone. Areas including Bath, Birmingham, Brighton, Bristol, Cambridge, Canterbury, Carlisle, Colchester, Coventry, Derby, Doncaster, Hull, Lancaster, Leicester, Lichfield, Lincoln, London, Norwich, Nottingham, Oxford, Plymouth, Portsmouth, Preston, Truro, Westminster, Winchester, Wolverhampton, and Worcester are all in the firing line. Scotland’s Aberdeen, Dundee, Inverness, and Stirling, as well as Welsh cities such as Bangor, Cardiff, Newport, St Asaph, St Davids, Swansea, and Wrexham, are also expected to face snowfall and icy conditions.
The Met Office has warned of widespread rain, particularly in the west and northwest, with strong winds potentially escalating to gale or severe gale force along the coasts. While there will be some drier and more settled spells, these will be short-lived, with further showers expected. The latest weather warning includes a yellow alert for snow and ice, which will be in effect for nine hours on Tuesday, adding to concerns over road conditions.
Scotland is expected to see some of the most severe weather, with areas including Tayside, Fife, Southwest Scotland, Lothian Borders, and Strathclyde bracing for snow and ice between 3 am and 12 pm. The Met Office has said: “Snow flurries will probably turn heavier for a time during Tuesday morning, leading to a covering of snow in some places. Most likely in the 0-1cm range in lowland areas, whilst 1-5cm is possible in places above 200m.”
Forecasters have also raised concerns about freezing rain, particularly in the southern parts of Scotland. “In addition, freezing rain, especially in the southern part of the region, is likely to cause icy surfaces in a few places and could make for difficult driving conditions, even on treated roads,” the Met Office warned. This could lead to treacherous conditions for commuters and motorists, with icy roads making travel extremely dangerous.
However, there is some good news, as conditions are expected to improve later in the day. “Freezing rain and snow is expected to ease by Tuesday afternoon, with conditions improving,” forecasters have said. Until then, those in affected areas are advised to prepare for travel disruption and take precautions to stay safe as the UK braces for another wave of winter weather.
