Parts of the United Kingdom are expected to receive up to 20cm of snow towards the end of November as temperatures drop following a mild autumn period. Recent weather forecasts indicate that an Arctic blast could bring wintry conditions, including freezing rain or snow, to various regions by the closing days of November. Projections from the weather visualisation site WXCharts suggest that some areas may see significant snowfall, with estimates of 20cm in parts of northern England, Wales, the Irish border, and Scotland by November 22.
The WXCharts’ “Winter Overview” map highlights that cities like Manchester and locations further south could witness 1-2cm of snow before heavy rainfall, while Edinburgh might experience larger snow accumulations. Notably, the Scottish Highlands are predicted to have significant snow depths even before the official start of winter, with areas near Inverness potentially facing intense snowfall rates. Additionally, freezing rain is expected in several parts of Scotland, leading to the formation of ice on surfaces.
North Wales, particularly around Snowdonia, and areas near the Northern Ireland border may also see substantial snowfall by midnight on November 22. A separate weather map anticipates that the Scottish Highlands could be covered with 30-40cm of snow by midday on November 22, with slightly lower amounts near Inverness. Even Edinburgh in the south could receive up to 5cm of snow, decreasing to 1cm near the English border.
Contrary to these forecasts, the Met Office’s long-range prediction for late November into early December suggests lower levels of snow in low-lying areas during this period. The agency explains that long-term forecasts for extended periods are subject to greater uncertainties, but indications point towards potential periods of high pressure, leading to drier weather with chances of fog, frost, rain, showers, and hill snow, especially in the north. The overall temperature outlook leans towards near or slightly above average temperatures, with intermittent colder spells possible.