Met Office 'likely scenario' shows snow for Somerset

A significant change in the weather is on the horizon starting this weekend as an early winter chill is due in Somerset with disruptive conditions. The Met Office has responded to reports about an impending 'Arctic blast' to hit the UK, providing three likely scenarios over the weekend.

Earlier this week, forecasts predicted that several centimetres of snow, accompanied by plummeting temperatures and icy conditions, would hit the UK by Monday, November 18. And the Met Office says there is a chance the South West may be hit with snow soon.

In a release issued today, the Exeter-based weather forecasters outlined three scenarios as to what could happen at the start of next week. And the most likely scenario show the potential for snow in and aroud Somersert.

READ MORE: Lorry crash closed Somerset A-road in both directions

READ MORE: Hundreds of homes in Somerset town recommended for approval

Scenario A, which has a 50 per cent likelihood, states that there is mostly rain, with some hill snow on the northern edge. Sleet and snow showers are expected along coasts exposed to northern winds, which includes areas such as Bristol and Somerset.

Scenario B, with a 30 per cent likelihood, suggests that heavy rain is due in the South whilst the sleet and snow will hit the northern areas but it will be very windy throughout the UK. Scenario C, with a 20 per cent likelihood, claims it will be very cold with sleet and snow showers across the UK but mostly heading South. It is due to be drier and brighter inland.

Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist Rebekah Hicks explained: "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.

"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. Warnings for wintry hazards, including snow and ice, are possible, so it’s important to stay up to date with the latest forecast.”

A spokesperson added: "There’s a major change in the weather from this weekend, as an early winter cold spell arrives bringing the potential for disruption for some next week. On Saturday, a band of rain moves south across most parts whilst conditions turn colder in the north, with the possibility of some hill snow. By Sunday, low pressure moves in and we’ll see the start of some unsettled and much colder weather.