Met Office gives verdict on probability of widespread snow from Sunday

A sharp turn in the weather is set to impact London and the rest of the UK from this weekend, as an early winter cold spell arrives, bringing the potential for colder, unsettled conditions next week. The Met Office has warned that this shift could introduce disruptive wintry hazards, though there remains uncertainty around how severe and widespread these might be.

Currently, high pressure is keeping the weather relatively calm with widespread cloud cover and potential for overnight fog. Friday will bring windier conditions to the north, but it’s from late Friday into Saturday that colder Arctic air is expected to move south, dropping temperatures significantly. By Saturday, a band of rain will make its way across most parts of the UK, and northern areas may see hill snow for the first time this season.

By Sunday, colder weather will become more widespread as low pressure takes over, marking the start of an unsettled, wintery spell. Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist Rebekah Hicks said, “A notable early winter cold spell will arrive across the north from Sunday and will likely reach all parts of the UK by midweek. Temperatures will drop as a northerly airflow develops, bringing in colder Arctic air. This introduces the possibility of snow, initially over high ground in the north from Sunday, with gusty winds also a potential hazard.”

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The Met Office says there is still "a lot of uncertainty" in predicting the full extent of next week’s weather, as different scenarios are being considered. Hicks explained, “There is a lot of uncertainty in what might happen after Sunday, but there are a number of scenarios which could bring some more widespread rain, along with some hill snow and stronger winds. It is possible that there may be some more widespread snowfall across lower ground, but the chance of this for any given region is low at this stage. What we do know is that the whole of the UK is likely to experience a spell of several days of cold, potentially disruptive weather next week.”

The Met Office has advised the public to stay alert, as warnings for snow, ice, and other wintry hazards may be issued in the coming days.

Forecast for London and the South East

Tonight (14 November)

Cloudy conditions expected overnight with light wind and staying largely dry. Any cloud breaks in the west, may lead to some isolated misty patches. Minimum temperature 3 °C.

Friday:

Cloud clearing from the west to see plenty of sunshine with light winds and staying dry. Maximum temperature 12 °C.

Outlook for Saturday to Monday:

Cloudy Saturday with rain arriving in the afternoon. Further outbreaks of rain Sunday with increasing winds, this clears during the evening leading to a rather cold, dry and sunny Monday.

Into next week

Cold or very cold conditions are likely to affect most if not all parts of the UK early in this period, with wintry showers affecting in particular northern parts and exposed coastal districts. Overnight frost will likely be widespread and occasionally strong winds will result in significant wind chill. However, there may be more organised areas of rain and snow, accompanied by strong winds, which run across some parts. This could lead to some disruptive weather at times, especially at the start of this period. Briefly milder conditions may accompany these in the south. There is a hint that it may become less cold late in the period, but still likely remain mostly unsettled with further spells of rain and snow.

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