The UK is set to be battered by a 144-hour Arctic blast this month, with up to 10cm of snow falling per hour in some areas, according to the latest weather maps.
Advanced weather models from WXCharts, which utilizes MetDesk data, indicate that parts of the country will be covered in snow, with significant accumulations expected across Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, and parts of northern England. The maps show shades of deep purple, marking areas where snowfall will be most intense.
On February 27, between 0.6cm and 3.5cm of snow is expected to fall across the Midlands, Wales, northern England, southern and western Scotland, and Northern Ireland. Higher snowfall levels are forecast in western Scotland and North Yorkshire, where accumulations could reach between 2cm and 3.5cm.
As the Arctic system strengthens, snowfall rates will increase. From midnight on February 28, central and western Scotland will experience up to 2cm of snowfall per hour, while central Wales will see between 2cm and 2.5cm per hour. In the North West and along the northern coast of Northern Ireland, snowfall rates of 0.2cm to 0.6cm per hour are predicted.
By midnight on March 1, the snowstorm will intensify, spreading to southwest Scotland, Cumbria, the North West, the North East, Yorkshire, and parts of Lincolnshire and Norfolk. Northern Ireland and northern England are set to experience the heaviest snowfall, with between 2.5cm and 3cm falling per hour. The North East and Cumbria are forecast to see up to 2cm of snow per hour.
At 6 a.m. on March 2, the Arctic blast will shift northward, bringing heavy snowfall to northern England and most of Scotland. The Pennines, the North East, and Cumbria will see 2cm of snow per hour, while the Scottish Highlands could receive between 2cm and 3cm. The most extreme conditions will be in southwest Scotland, where an astonishing 5cm to 10cm of snow per hour is expected.
For those outside the main snow zones, heavy rainfall will bring challenging conditions, with between 1cm and 5cm of rain falling across much of the UK between February 28 and March 2.
Met Office Forecast Warns of Severe Weather
A long-range Met Office forecast for February 21 to March 2 warns of significant rainfall and strong winds: “Atlantic frontal systems likely to spread across the UK from the west during this period,” the Met Office stated.
“These systems will bring spells of rain to many parts of the UK. The heaviest and most prolonged rainfall is expected in western and north-western areas, particularly over higher ground, with rainfall totals much lower in the east and southeast.
“Strong winds are also likely to develop at times, especially along coasts where gales or severe gales are possible. Between weather systems, some drier and more settled interludes are expected, bringing lighter winds and sunny spells, perhaps accompanied by a few showers. Temperatures are likely [to] be above average, especially early in this period when it will be very mild.”
Tonight, outbreaks of rain will move across northwestern parts of the UK, turning to snow in parts of Scotland. Elsewhere, dry conditions with a patchy frost are expected. On Tuesday, rain and hill snow will clear from the north, making way for breezy conditions and sunny spells. However, temperatures will remain cold with a brisk southeasterly wind.
From Wednesday to Friday, conditions will turn much milder but also more unsettled, with frequent bands of rain, particularly in the north and west. Windy conditions will persist, with a risk of gales.
