The UK is bracing for four days of snowfall, as per recent weather forecasts.
WXcharts’ weather maps predict snow on December 2, 4, 6 and later on the 13th, with temperatures dipping below zero. This follows a recent cold snap that saw daytime temperatures in some northern regions not rise above freezing on Wednesday.
Although this weekend is expected to bring milder conditions – with Sunday’s temperature predicted to reach 13C in some areas – an extended period of cold weather with wintry showers seems likely at the start of December.
Snow is forecasted to fall across various parts of the UK, not just the far north, with significant snowfall expected on December 6 in Cumbria and parts of Lincolnshire. This will be followed by snow on Friday 13 December in North Norfolk, central Wales and some isolated areas around the Pennines, as well as across the Scottish Highlands.
James Madden from Exacta Weather has predicted: “The wintry weather during this week will be confined to higher ground in Scotland, northern England, and Wales between today and Thursday/Friday, and some overnight and non-significant wintry weather or sleet could also be recorded once again across higher elevations or a little lower during the evenings and early hours around midweek in some southern regions as an area of low pressure keeps things unsettled and windy in some of these parts during this period.
“The sunny spells, periods of gloom, rain or heavy rain, and further periods of moderate to strong winds at times will continue to grace our shores throughout most of the week and prior to the next wintry blast and increasing risk for snow or widespread snow once again in and around early December.”, reports the Mirror.
During freezing temperatures, households receiving certain benefits may qualify for Cold Weather Payments from the Department for Work and Pensions. This energy assistance initiative offers £25 payments to individuals in England and Wales when temperatures are recorded or expected to be zero degrees celsius or below over seven consecutive days.
Additional payments are made if the cold stretch persists. To be eligible, households must be claiming specific DWP benefits such as Pension Credit, Income Support, Job Seekers Allowance, or Universal Credit, along with meeting other criteria.
Don’t miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond – Sign up to our daily newsletter here.