New snow maps turn purple as Scots set to be blitzed by -15C Arctic blast in days
A new weather map with an ominous deep purple area heading towards the UK has revealed the possibility of temperatures falling to as low as -13.
The map from WX Charts shows most of the UK hitting between zero and 5C next week, as the country is covered shades of green. However, in the top left corner of the chart, above Scotland, a purple area of much lower temperatures appears to be pushing towards us.
As reported by the Mirror, Scots have already endured a "significant period of cold" with temperatures dipping last week, followed by the havoc Storm Bert which has brought floods and rain that led to the deaths of five people.
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There doesn't appear to be any let up as WXCharts maps, which use data from MetDesk, for December 4, show the low temperatures. Previous maps have also shown the country could turn icy cold after midnight on December 6, with Scotland, Wales and northern England proving particularly cold.
The weather experts at the Met Office however have revealing what we should expect as the days get shorter. Met Office Chief Meteorologist Neil Armstrong said: “With cold Arctic air firmly in place over the UK, continued winter hazards are likely through much of this week, with further updates to warnings likely in the coming days.
“The current focus for upcoming snow and ice risk is from later on Tuesday and overnight into Wednesday, with snow showers likely moving in off windward coasts in the north and east, as well as drifting into parts of Northern Ireland and Wales. In excess of 10cm of snow is possible over higher ground within the warning areas, with 1-2cm possibly settling at lower levels, which has the potential to lead to some travel disruption. Ice is an additional hazard and is likely to form quickly on untreated surfaces.”
The Met's long range forecast covers the period from December 4 to December 18 and predicts a cold lead up to Christmas. It reads: "The start of this period looks like being largely settled, with high pressure close to if not over the UK. However, there is also a chance of more changeable weather patterns, which would see Atlantic weather systems periodically move across the country.
"These will bring some wetter and windier interludes with a risk of some snow, especially for hills in the north. These conditions look more likely to dominate towards the middle of December. Temperatures generally close to average through the period."
It adds that conditions may feel chilly, particularly during clear nights, but there is no indication yet of widespread or severe cold snaps. The Met Office’s outlook suggests that residents across the UK should prepare for a mix of calm and unsettled weather. Those in northern regions, particularly higher-altitude areas, should be mindful of the potential for snow and challenging travel conditions.
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