Snow and ice warnings issued for potential disruptions.

 

As cold air moves across the United Kingdom, significant snow is expected to cause travel disruptions. Cold weather alerts and Met Office yellow warnings will take effect on Sunday and extend into the coming week. Daytime temperatures will be well below the mid-November average, with very cold, frosty nights. Snow is likely to be especially disruptive in northern England, North Wales, and the Midlands through Tuesday morning.

Wintry showers will affect Northern Scotland on Sunday, with snow accumulating on higher ground. A Met Office yellow warning for severe weather will take effect later Sunday and last into Monday. Snowfall could reach 5-10cm on high ground, with 1-3cm possible at lower levels in northern Scotland.

Temperatures will quickly drop across Scotland and northern England, leading to a widespread hard frost on Monday morning. It will be the coldest night of the autumn so far, with temperatures falling to -5°C to -8°C in rural areas.

Cold and frosty nights will persist throughout the week, with daytime highs only reaching 3-8°C. A brisk northerly wind will add a significant wind chill, making it feel even colder.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a cold weather alert for the Midlands and North of England for much of the week, warning that the conditions could have minor impacts on health and social care services, including increased healthcare use and greater risks to vulnerable individuals.

Significant Snowfall Expected

Monday will bring heavy rain that is likely to turn into snow as the weather system moves northeast and meets colder air. The Met Office has issued a yellow warning from Monday evening until Tuesday morning, covering southern Scotland, northern England, North Wales, and the North Midlands.

Up to 15-20cm of snow could accumulate on high ground in the south Pennines, with 2-10cm of snow possible at lower levels. Icy patches are also expected, leading to potential travel disruptions, especially on higher trans-Pennine routes by Tuesday morning.

Predicting snow at lower levels in mid-November can be tricky due to the relatively warm ground compared to mid-winter. However, some towns and cities may experience sleet and settling snow in heavier rainfall.

Snow showers will continue in northern Scotland on Monday and Tuesday, and during Tuesday morning, sleet and snow will move southeastward through the Midlands into eastern England.

How Unusual is Snow in November?

Although winter officially starts on December 1st, snowfall in November isn’t entirely rare. While it's common for snow to fall over the hills and mountains of Scotland, significant snowfall in England and Wales is more unusual, as temperatures typically aren’t cold enough for prolonged snow.

Even if snow does fall, it often doesn't settle enough to cause disruption. Similar conditions occurred in 2010 and 1993, when colder temperatures brought disruptive snow. In late November 2010, parts of northeast England and Scotland saw 30-40cm of snow, which contributed to the coldest December on record in the UK.

How Long Will the Cold Weather Last?

The cold spell is expected to persist for about a week in some areas. While there will be plenty of bright, sunny days with morning frosts, wintry showers are also likely at times. Heavier showers in Scotland and northern England will continue to bring a risk of snow, particularly on higher ground.

By the weekend, milder south-westerly winds will take over, bringing wet and windy weather. As this wet weather moves north, there may be a brief period of snow before it quickly melts.

For more on the forecast for the rest of November, check out our latest monthly outlook.