Arctic Blast Meets Atlantic Storm: UK Braces for Snow

Parts of southern England are under threat of disruptive snow, wind, and rain this week due to a clash between an Atlantic low-pressure system and an Arctic airmass. The Met Office indicates that higher ground in the south could see snow on Thursday and Friday, while northern and central England are at greater risk from more significant snowfall, accompanied by rain and strong winds, depending on the storm's path.

Several scenarios are possible, with a 20% chance of the system bringing widespread disruptive wind and rain to much of England and Wales, and potential snow in northern England, southern Scotland, and Northern Ireland. Conversely, a 30% chance exists for the front to move through northern France, causing disruptive snow in southern English counties, particularly at higher elevations. The most probable outcome points to wind and rain in the south, with central England facing disruption from snow.

In anticipation of these conditions, hundreds of schools in Wales and Scotland remained closed on Tuesday due to existing snow and ice, with further heavy snow showers predicted for parts of Scotland. Two amber snow warnings are active in northern Scotland, while yellow snow and ice warnings cover widespread areas of England and Wales. Additionally, amber cold health alerts have been issued for England, warning of adverse temperatures affecting health and wellbeing until Friday.