Met Office outlines three scenarios for Gloucestershire snowfall as UK braces for Arctic conditions

A significant shift in weather conditions is expected to begin this weekend, with an early winter chill forecasted for Gloucestershire, potentially causing disruption. The Met Office has responded to reports of an impending 'Arctic blast' set to hit the UK, outlining three possible scenarios for the weekend.

Earlier in the week, predictions suggested that several centimetres of snow, along with a sharp drop in temperatures and icy conditions, could affect the UK by Monday, November 18. The Met Office has indicated that there's a possibility of snowfall in the South West soon.

In a statement released today, the Exeter-based weather forecasters detailed three potential outcomes for the start of next week. The most probable scenario indicates the potential for snow in and around Gloucestershire.

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Scenario A, deemed 50 per cent likely, suggests mostly rain, with some hill snow on the northern edge. Sleet and snow showers are anticipated along coasts exposed to northern winds, including areas such as Bristol and Somerset.

Scenario B, given a 30 percent likelihood, predicts heavy rain in the South while sleet and snow will affect the northern regions, accompanied by strong winds across the UK. Scenario C, assigned a 20 percent likelihood, suggests very cold conditions with sleet and snow showers across the UK, primarily heading South. It is expected to be drier and brighter inland.

Rebekah Hicks, Deputy Chief Meteorologist at the Met Office, detailed: "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 further commented: "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."