The Met Office issues warnings for a mix of strong winds, heavy rain, and snow across the UK leading up to the Easter bank holiday, urging the public to remain vigilant.
The UK is set to experience a diverse range of weather conditions leading up to and during the Easter bank holiday, with the Met Office issuing warnings for unsettled weather, including strong winds, heavy rain, and a significant snowstorm. London and other parts of the UK will face gusty showers and below-average temperatures around 11 degrees Celsius, with a potential increase to 15-16C by the weekend. Southwest England, in particular, is highlighted for its risk of flooding due to saturated land from a wetter-than-usual winter.
Meteorologists from the Met Office, including Tom Morgan and Deputy Chief Mark Sidaway, have advised the public to stay vigilant as the low-pressure systems bring the possibility of flooding and wind hazards, especially in coastal areas. This comes after February marked the warmest on record for England and Wales, contrasting sharply with the forecasted conditions.
Additionally, Londoners and holidaymakers are encouraged to monitor the weather forecasts closely as snow and freezing rain are expected to hit Scotland, potentially leading to hazardous conditions with up to 10cm of snowfall in certain areas. The phenomenon of freezing rain, where raindrops freeze upon contact with the ground, creating a layer of ice, has been noted as a rare but possible event.
Looking further ahead, a massive 500-mile snowstorm forecasted by WXCharts is anticipated to bring heavy snow, most notably to Central Scotland, with temperatures in the region potentially dropping as low as -11°C. Significant snowfall is also expected in North Scotland, South Scotland, the north of England, and Wales. The Met Office has warned of rain turning to snow, particularly in higher grounds in Scotland, and advises residents to prepare for the wintry conditions.
Across the Atlantic, the United States has also been experiencing severe weather disruptions, including heavy rain, snow, and frigid temperatures affecting various regions from Southern California to New England. The storms have led to power outages, traffic chaos, and disrupted travel, highlighting the extensive impact of extreme weather conditions both in the UK and the US.
