The UK might witness snow soon as experts suggest potential snowfall in the coming days. An imminent plunge in temperatures on Thursday and Friday has many regions preparing for sub-zero conditions due to an approaching weather system.
The changing weather patterns imply that any near-future rainfall could turn to snow, even affecting southern areas. Forecasters caution of possible “chaos on the roads” due to the forecasted snow and ice.
Netweather meteorologist Jo Farrow said: “The overall setting is this cold high pressure with frost by night and a cold easterly wind picking up later this week. You might see wintry flurries for southern or eastern Britain, causing an exclamation of ‘oooh, it’s snowing’.
“Currently, not much more is expected but the ingredients are there. With a bit more forcing, a more organised trough, a pool of cold air aloft it wouldn’t take much for there to be a slight temporary covering of the white stuff and chaos ensuing on the roads of southern England.”
A catalyst of conditions will result in a temperature decline, with Saturday set to be the coldest day ahead, according to the Mirror. The Met Office also stated: “High pressure will move away to the northeast of the UK. This will allow a cold east to southeasterly wind to develop, introducing more cloud and some showers, perhaps wintry.”
As we approach the weekend, the south west is set to experience a dip in temperatures. Bristol is expected to feel the chill with temperatures predicted to fall into the mid and low single digits, peaking at a mere 6°C and 7°C over the weekend.
The cold snap will continue into Thursday and Friday, as clear skies contribute to lows of just 1°. Some areas may even see temperatures plummet to freezing on the evening of Friday, February 7.
South West weather forecast
Today: A mainly dry day with a mixture of sunny spells and occasional cloudier periods. Isolated, mainly light showers are possible at first in the west. Light winds, though feeling a bit colder. Maximum temperature 9 °C.
Tonight: Remaining dry this evening and overnight with lengthy clear periods. Temperatures falling away to give a widespread frost. The chance of a few freezing fog patches, mainly in the east. Minimum temperature -1 °C.
Thursday: A cold and frosty start with isolated freezing fog patches, these clearing during the morning. Otherwise, staying dry with plenty of winter sunshine, but turning breezier along the south coast. Maximum temperature 8 °C.
Outlook for Friday to Sunday: Another chilly start on Friday with sunny intervals. Turning cloudier later and for the weekend, with colder temperatures and a few wintry showers. Breezy at times, giving a wind chill.