Arctic blizzards driven by a -12C winter storm threaten widespread snow as officials issue the first winter health warning of the season.
A UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) ‘cold-health alert is in force across northern England through the next eight days with temperatures expected to nudge -10C.
WATCH HERE: UK weather outlook 28/11/2023
A storm system due to swipe the UK ahead of the weekend threatens a widespread deluge and the first ‘major snow of the season’.
James Madden, forecaster for Exacta Weather, said: “A significant area of low pressure looks likely to cross the country around the middle of the week, and this could lead to some potentially heavy snow.
“Weather models are changing, so it is something we are keeping our eyes on, but on current indications, there is still the possibility of snow becoming more widespread over the coming days, although northern regions look to be the most at risk.
“This will be the result of a storm system coming in from the west hitting colder air that is already in place over the UK, and with the risk of winds, there could be some blizzard conditions.”
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Winter storm sweeps in snow to the south
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Southern England could be in line for the first flurries of the season if cold air and storm conditions collide, he added.
Meanwhile, plunging temperatures across Britain have prompted the first health alert of the season.
A yellow cold-weather alert issued by UKHSA and the Met Office remains in place until next Monday across northern England.
Bitter Arctic air will sweep the UK through this week as low pressure laden with moisture arrives from the south.
A collision between air masses could unleash a snow deluge over southern parts of Britain.
Windchill of -12 to hit the UK
Netweather
While weather models are yet to confirm timings and location of snow, the Met Office warned of a ‘prospect of snow’ this week.
Met Office deputy chief meteorologist David Oliver: “Some models include the prospect of an area of low pressure developing and moving in from the south or southwest.
“If this solution proves to be correct, we could see an area of warmer and moisture-laden air ‘bumping’ into the cold air further north.
“Along the boundary of the two air masses lies a zone across southern and central Britain where snowfall could develop fairly widely.”
Although the storm is expected to end before the weekend, settling snow may trigger disruption, he added.
As temperatures plummet, bookies have slashed the odds on a flurry of festive snow on Christmas day.
Ladbrokes is now offering 10/11 for a White Christmas anywhere in the UK with Newcastle at 2/1; Manchester 4/1; and London at 8/1.
Temperatures to hit -9C at their peak
Netweather
Spokesman Alex Apati said: “We’re wrapping up and strapping in for snow, with the latest odds suggesting a White Christmas will be on the cards.”
A big freeze currently gripping Europe could send a chilly shot westwards to trigger snow in the UK, experts say.
Jim Dale, social commentator and meteorologist for British Weather Services said: “The northeast of the UK is on the fringes of this, and generally Britain is on the periphery of this cold blast over Europe.
“This is going to be something to watch, though, because it would just take a change in the synoptics, for example a low to develop over the region and move towards Britain, and that would bring some of that into the UK.
“This is something we have our eyes on.”
