UK December snow storm could last 'two weeks' and bring 19cm

James Rodger
·2-min read
UK December snow storm could last 'two weeks' and bring 19cm
-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)


The UK faces a bone-chilling -9C deep freeze - with two weeks of snow storms in December. Maps and charts, projected using Met Desk data, show 19cm battering parts of the west coast of Scotland as we head deeper into the winter.

Kicking off on December 12, the worst affected areas would be around Inverness and Fort William in Scotland where around 14cm is expected, before intensifying to 19cm per hour and eventually beginning to ease off by around midday on December 13.

Looking ahead at the first week of December, the BBC Weather team explained: "Low pressure systems with their fronts will dominate the weather conditions over the weekend. In view of this trend, temperatures will climb well above average over the weekend, with a brisk and at times wet south to south-westerly flow.

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"A cold front will sink slowly south-east on Sunday and into Monday. Temperatures should therefore be lower early next week, accompanied by strong north-west to northerly winds and spells of rain or showers, which could turn wintry across Scotland.

"A temporary high may follow from the west, leading to frosty conditions on Monday night, especially in northern England and Scotland. However, in the early hours of Tuesday, mist and fog may occur in some areas, along with conditions that briefly become somewhat calmer.

"A new Atlantic low could move across much of the UK towards the middle of next week, making it windier. In addition, heavy rain is expected from the west and north-west, which could turn to snow in places as it bumps into the cold air. A very intense low may approach from the west around or soon after the middle of the week, along with potentially very strong winds and heavy spells of rain and showers. Disruptive conditions in places cannot be ruled out.

"Later next week, new Atlantic lows could follow, but with a more north-westerly flow developing, which could mean wet and colder conditions, perhaps with some sleet and snow over high ground. Nevertheless, the prospects for next weekend include high pressure establishing itself west or north-west of the UK, allowing quite cold air to sink south, along with a brisk northerly flow and gradually sinking snowfall heights.

"At present, confidence in northerlies developing at the end of next week is rather low."

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