A snowstorm has been forecast to sweep across the UK as Brits could see a blizzard similar to the Beast from the East. The Met Office has warned the chances of a major Sudden Stratospheric Warming (SSW) are likely to happen very soon, with snow forecast to fall for three days in row.
The 2018 February Beast from the East saw 22 inches of snowfall in some areas and an estimated £1.2billion in damage caused. As reported by the Mirror, in a blog post, the Met Office wrote: "The latest forecasts are showing that a major SSW is now likely to take place.
"A major SSW often makes the jet stream meander more, which can lead to a large area of blocking high pressure over northern Europe, including the UK [and Ireland]. This blocking high pressure can lead to cold, dry weather in the north of Europe, including the UK [and Ireland]."
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Snow maps show a 1,000km blizzard heading over to large parts of the UK in only a matter of days. According to WX Charts, the UK could see a huge storm making its way from the East, bringing heavy rain to Northern Ireland, southern parts of Scotland and most of England from February 20.
Wales and Northern Ireland are set to experience heavy snowfall falling at a rate of at least 3cm per hour. The Midlands could experience snow falling at the rate of 5cm per hour.
The Met Office had issued a snow and ice weather warning on Wednesday (February 8), predicting an icy blizzard over parts of the country. People were told to be careful of icy roads and expect delays in public transport due to cancellations.
Met Office forecast for East Midlands
Tonight
Rain in the west slowly easing then a mainly dry night. Cloudy in the west throughout, but some limited breaks and clear spells towards the east coast. Winds slowly easing. Minimum temperature 7 °C.
Saturday
Dry, but cloudy, especially for western parts, with the best of any brighter or spells of sunshine breaking through in the east. Lighter winds for most by the evening. Maximum temperature 11 °C.
Sunday to Tuesday
Sunday and Monday, winds easing, with a mixture of patchy cloud and brighter spells. Mild by day, but chilly overnight. Longer periods of sunshine possible through Tuesday, breezy in west.
UK long-range Met Office weather forecast
February 14 to 23
Tuesday will likely be dry for most across the UK, with a chance of sunshine particularly in the northwest. Any early mist and fog patches quickly clearing. The odd spot of light rain is possible, mostly across Northern Ireland. The settled weather remaining for many into the end of the week, with some bands of cloud and rain possibly progressing into the north and northwest at times.
Also, strong winds likely in the north and west, with coastal gales possible here. Further into the period a transition away from high pressure in the south allows for more unsettled conditions to become widespread across the UK at times. Temperatures generally mild or rather mild, although with a chance of cold nights in the south, especially earlier in the period.
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