Met Office issues verdict over heavy snow in UK 'as early as this weekend'

The Met Office has issued its verdict amid sweeping reports the UK could be hammered by heavy snowfall before Christmas. Reports suggest as much as 18 inches of the white stuff could hammer the country, with around November 20 to November 23 earmarked as potential dates.

The Met Office says there is a "possibility of snow" from this weekend. Deputy Chief Meteorologist Mark Sidaway said: “The high pressure that has been responsible for the mainly dry weather through much of this week will retrogress into the Atlantic as we get towards the weekend. This will gradually introduce more unsettled weather, initially in the north from Friday but more widely from Sunday.

“In addition to this increased rainfall, which could be heavy at times on Sunday, temperatures will also drop, especially for those in Scotland, as a northerly airflow develops, bringing colder Arctic air to some northern areas."

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He went on, adding: “This shift does introduce the possibility of snow, initially over high ground in the north from Sunday, with gusty winds also a potential hazard. There is a lot of uncertainty by Sunday, but there remain a number of scenarios which could bring some more widespread rain, along with some hill snow and stronger winds. Warnings for winter hazards are possible later in the weekend, so it’s important to stay up to date with the latest forecast.”

A marked change to more unsettled and also colder weather is expected over the weekend, as high pressure gradually subsides and allows winds to start to come in from the north or northwest. The full extent of the long-range forecast is explored in the Met Office’s Deep Dive video.

The clip is available through YouTube and via the Met Office app as we head towards the weekend and the affected dates of the projected snowfall.