UK snow forecast as 'second winter' maps show north west England hit within hours
Britons are bracing themselves for a "second winter" this week with snowfall anticipated within hours.Sophisticated weather modelling charts indicate snow could blanket south-west England, Wales, the Midlands, northern England, Northern Ireland and Scotland as soon as tomorrow.The GFS weather model initially predicts flurries arriving in western Northern Ireland, Wales and north-west England around 6am. Scotland is expected to experience significant snowfall during this period, with the heaviest precipitation concentrated in the far north.The snowfall appears likely to diminish and disperse throughout the day. By 3pm, the maps indicate light snow descending on cities including Stoke, Manchester and Newcastle. Devon may also experience some, according to the data.Accompanying this snow, temperatures are forecast to nosedive. The GFS model suggests the mercury could drop to -4C in Scotland at midday on Thursday, with -3C across northern England and -1C in Wales, the Midlands and certain southern English regions, reports the Mirror.On Good Morning Britain today, meteorologist Laura Tobin warned of a "second winter", noting that despite the spring equinox, jet stream shifts are ushering cold air back to British shores. This comes after last week delivered the warmest day of the year thus far.The Met Office has also confirmed tomorrow's snow forecast. The national weather service predicts temperatures could sink to -5C overnight on Wednesday. The forecast reads: "By Wednesday, it will feel markedly colder across all parts, with rain, sleet and hail showers potentially quite widely, and snow likely over higher ground in the north."Elsewhere, it will be a blustery day and although there is some sunshine on offer, it will feel cold thanks to the wind chill. Temperatures will fall overnight – potentially to -5C in rural Scotland – with a widespread frost overnight likely for most, and ice at first in the north on Thursday morning."Most places remain dry with sunny spells on Thursday, although cloud and rain pushes into Northern Ireland and western parts later on."Temperatures return closer to average from Friday onwards, though further weather systems may affect the UK at the weekend, most likely affecting northern areas."
