Met Office verdict on 473-mile polar bomb to hit Britain with -7C and snow

The Met Office has revealed its verdict for a polar storm set to hit Britain in the coming days. A wall of snow and plunging temperatures are due to blast the UK in the run up to Christmas.

According to the latest weather maps, the 473-mile snow bomb is due to first touchdown on December 20 before ramping up over the following day with snow expected from Wick in the north of Scotland down to Manchester.

Temperatures could plummet well below freezing, with maps showing temperatures of up to -13C in parts of Scotland, while England could be in store for up to 10cm of snow.

Speaking on YouTube, Met Office forecaster Alex Deakin, said: “There might be something a bit wintry – potential for snow at times between December 19 and December 26. There’s two scenarios equally likely – generally colder than average temperatures, with a mid Atlantic ridge and north-westerly winds.”

READ MORE: Latest weather map shows huge chunks of UK covered in snow on Christmas Day

Saturday, December 23 is also expected to bring more of the white stuff, as many in the UK are expected to take the roads and railways for their Christmas getaway.

Edmund King, the president of the AA, said: “While Friday, December 22 and Saturday, December 23 look set to be the busiest travelling days, the unsettled weather forecast could lead to additional delays so drivers should drive to the conditions and slow down where necessary.

“New Year’s Day will be the quietest day on the roads which is probably a good thing especially if drivers have been partying the previous evening.” Mr King went on: “Drivers can still be breathalysed and lose their licence for driving over the limit the morning after.”

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Forecasters say there is a “small chance” of wintry weather for parts of the UK at the end of the year, but rain may be more probable on Christmas Day itself. The biggest chance of rain is expected in the North West through Christmas week, according to weather maps, which show a higher possibility of snow in those areas on December 23.

However, the Met Office said there is an increasing chance of snow and ice late in December and into the New Year period.

Sky News weather producer, Christopher England, said the forecast for the festive period remains “very uncertain” because it is still two weeks away, but added: “It really doesn’t look like a white Christmas away from Scottish hills.”

Met Office five-day forecast

Today:

A rather cloudy and damp start for many, with the cloud and patchy rain slowly becoming restricted to eastern and central England throughout the day. Elsewhere turning brighter with some sunny spells, but a few showers around the Northern Isles.

Tonight:

Patchy rain continuing to clear southeast England. Otherwise, clear spells initially, but a band of rain will move southeast across Scotland, Northern Ireland, northern England and Wales during the night.

Thursday:

Band of rain continuing to move southeastwards across the country but turning lighter and patchier as it does so. Brighter conditions following with a few showers for northwest Scotland.

Outlook for Friday to Sunday:

Often cloudy and mild throughout the period, with best of any brightness in the east. Largely dry for many, but the far north seeing further spells of wind and rain.

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