Met Office snow verdict revealed as -3C Baltic blast set to hit Brits in days

Forecasters have been predicting snowfall across huge swathes of the British Isles over the next two weeks, with the Met Office now offering its long-range forecast on the white stuff arriving before December

Snow is set to batter Britain in a matter of days as a -3C Baltic blast is predicted to grip the country.

The Met Office, Britain's national forecaster, has issued its verdict on the likelihood after several meteorological agencies concurred on the white stuff arriving on the British Isles this month.

In recent weeks, Brits have been forced to wrap up after the plummeting mercury created a noticeable chill in the air, with lows in the single figures reigning in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. People have been seen wrapping up in big coats far sooner than usual. In southern England, which is typically warmer, there have been consistent daily lows of 2C to 3C.

It's likely that the chilly spell will continue through the next two weeks of November. Recent maps from the Met Office show the mercury dipping from next week, reaching -1C by November 20, increasing the likelihood of snowfall.

The Met Office has now shared its long-range forecast, saying that wintry showers will be frequent and snow is likely, especially in northern areas. The forecast reads: "Frequent wintry showers are expected, mainly in the north and along eastern and western coasts where exposed to the strong north to northwesterly flow.

"Snow is likely to fall to low levels, especially in the north. Many inland areas may be largely dry with lengthy sunny spells, especially where sheltered from the flow. However, there is a risk of some more organised areas of rain and hill snow running east across more southern parts.

"The chance of any widespread or disruptive snowfall affecting more populated areas at this stage remains low though. Cold everywhere with overnight frost, and the strong winds will result in significant wind chill. There is a hint that it may become less cold later in the period, with more of a westerly flow becoming established."

It comes after British Weather Services' chief forecaster Jim Dale said the incoming cold spell will feel like a "week in the freezer". He said: "The board is set, the pieces are moving! This one is looking like a full week in the freezer before it relents.

"The weather models will ebb and flow but the latest is spelling a very deep snow time (several inches) for the Midlands and Pennine towns and villages. Scottish hills and mountains go without saying. Traffic dislocation and dangers appear inevitable. But it all means nothing for how Christmas may turn out."