The latest weather maps have revealed the places in Scotland that are likely to see the heaviest snowfall from the incoming blizzard.
The oncoming snowstorm is set to blanket most of Britain in a matter of days, and certain spots on our land will not be spared, according to the latest weather maps.
Weather predictions indicate that the UK is due for a freezing onslaught beginning February 18, with central Scotland poised to bear the brunt, expecting lows of -11C, reports the Mirror.
Snow is likely to cover areas in northern England and Wales as well, where temperatures are anticipated to plummet to -4C and -6C respectively.
The most substantial snowfall is expected near Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Newcastle, and Plymouth.
The Met Office has put out a long-range forecast covering February 14 to February 23, which states: “East or south-easterly winds are likely at the start of this period. This maintaining below average temperatures and often cloudy conditions.”
It goes on to acknowledge the possibility of harsher conditions: “There is a chance of colder conditions developing which would see an increase in wintry showers, especially in eastern and north-eastern parts of the country.
“Meanwhile, Atlantic frontal zones, bringing milder conditions and rain, will attempt to move in from the west or southwest. Early in this period these look likely to have limited influence over the UK though should they push further north-eastwards this would increase the chance of snow for some areas.
“The balance between colder easterly winds and milder, wetter south-westerly winds remains unclear during mid-February though towards the end of this period, less cold conditions become more likely.”
As we head into next week, the Met Office predicts that the weather will remain cold and grey. Monday’s temperatures will be slightly below average, with highs of 4C or 5C feeling close to freezing due to the “fairly brisk” easterly winds.
Over the weekend, the sunniest weather and lowest temperatures were experienced in the north and north-west of the UK. On Saturday night, temperatures dropped to -8.6C in Altnaharra and Kinbrace in northern Scotland.
Met Office meteorologist Marco Petagna said: “In the places with the clearest skies we could get down to minus 5C, minus 6C again tonight. But elsewhere any frosts could be quite patchy, because we’ve got the wind and the cloud around it’s stopping the temperatures getting too low.
“Most places away from the north west of the UK just about escaping the frost by the looks of things.”
This pattern of clear and sunny skies in Scotland, contrasted with cold and cloudy weather in the rest of the UK, is expected to continue throughout the working week.
By midweek, slightly drier weather is anticipated. The winds will be “not quite as brisk” from midweek onwards, but temperatures will still be a degree or two below average for this time of year.
“The bulk of the UK, even to the end of the week stays in this cold air, often quite cloudy, but drier generally away from that far west and south-west corner at the end of the week,” said Mr Petagna.
The UK’s 5-day weather forecast predicts a rather cloudy and breezy evening and night for most areas, with some rain and hill snow, mainly in the south and east. Clearer spells in the north and far west will allow some frost and freezing fog to form.
The outlook for Tuesday to Thursday is largely cloudy and rather cold, with an easterly breeze. Patchy rain with some snow, mainly on hills, is expected. Brighter spells in the west, but there is a risk of overnight frost here.