When will it snow? Weather forecast from the Met Office for 2023 explained
WITH the festive season fast approaching, many Brits will be dreaming of a white Christmas.
But when will it snow in 2023 and what should you do when a heavy snow warning has been issued? Here's everything you need to know.
When will it snow in 2023?
The Met Office has revealed exactly where snow is expected to fall in 2023 as temperatures continue to plummet.
High ground across the north of England and Scotland will see snow on November 28 (today), Met Office forecasters say.
Meanwhile a "zone" across the Midlands and the south of England will also see widespread snow later in the week.
Conditions will become unsettled over Thursday and Friday with wintry showers expected in the north while the south is likely to experience some rain and the possibility of hill snow.
As the final month of the year approaches, there is also a possibility of snow across parts of the south and central areas, the Met Office says, but this is not yet certain.
Chief meteorologist David Oliver said: "After some rain on Monday, conditions will turn mainly dry in the south for a time before a very uncertain period on Thursday and Friday for the southern half of England and Wales.
“The weather models are highlighting several possible solutions from very wet to mainly dry, with a mainly dry picture the most probable outcome at present.
“However, some models include the prospect of an area of low pressure developing and moving in from the south or southwest. If this solution proves to be correct, we could see an area of warmer and moisture-laden air ‘bumping’ into the cold air further north.
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“Along the boundary of the two air masses lies a zone across southern and central Britain where snowfall could develop fairly widely.
“Snow in any affected area is unlikely to be anything more than transient and short-lived, but it could lead to small totals and some disruption over a few hours before melting.”
The UKHSA has issued a yellow cold-health alert for northern England, which will be in place for the rest of the week.
Snowfall in late autumn or early winter doesn’t generally stick around for long, especially in southern Britain, as ground temperatures broadly remain relatively high after the summer - especially compared with values in late winter, after the ground loses more of its warmth.
What to do in a heavy snow warning
As the UK's official weather service, the Met Office is responsible for issuing weather warnings, which warn of impacts caused by severe weather.
The Met Office provides warnings up to seven days ahead for rain, thunderstorms, wind, snow, lightning, ice, extreme heat and fog.
When a heavy snow warning has been issued, there are a number of things you can do to tackle the cold and stay safe in the snow.
If you need to drive somewhere in snowy weather, the Met Office advises motorists to plan their route prior to making their journey.
Drivers should also check for delays and road closures, as well as leaving more time to prepare and check your vehicle before setting off.
It's also important to check your wipers, tyres and screen wash, pack essentials in your car and ensure you have a fully charged mobile phone or access to a charging device in case of emergencies.
Remember, it is safer to avoid driving in snow and icy conditions, however, if your journey is absolutely necessary you should follow these tips to keep yourself and others on the road safe.
This includes:
- Using dipped headlights
- Accelerate gently, use low revs and change to higher gears as quickly as possible
- Starting in second gear will help with wheel slip
- Maintain a safe and steady speed. Keep your distance from other vehicles
- Keep a constant speed up hills. Leave plenty of room between cars
- Use a low gear to go down hill and try to avoid braking unless necessary
- Steer into skids. Do not take your hands of the wheel or slam on the brakes
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Aside from driving, if you have been cut off due to a heavy snow warning being issued, following these simple steps will help keep you safe and well if isolated due to snow.
- Keep the thermostat set to the same temperature, both during the day and at night
- Turn off electrical heaters and put out your fire before going to bed to avoid fire risk
- Don’t forget your pets. Create a place where they can be comfortable in severe winter weather
- Prevent frozen pipes, open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing
- Stay indoors wearing layers of loose fitting lightweight warm clothing rather than bulky clothing
- Never use a hob or oven to heat your home, they can increase carbon monoxide levels