A very rare weather event could hit the UK this week, bringing more wintry conditions. The latest weather maps from WXCharts have turned orange, indicating the likelihood of unusual conditions blasting the country.
According to the weather maps, several areas of the country will experience freezing rain, a very rare weather phenomenon which is mostly common in the US, and not the UK. On Tuesday, February 5, maps show an orange patch over the Cairngorms National Park, indicating freezing rain. Across the rest of the UK, there will be some snow in Scotland, with large parts of the Midlands and the South of England expected to see rain. In Wales and Northern Ireland, conditions will also be wet.
By Wednesday, February 4, at midnight, the freezing rain has a faint orange patch on the maps. A map shows that up to 39 inches of snow may also be seen in the Cairngorms National Park.
Maps indicate some snow could land in north Wales, the Lake District and parts of north Yorkshire. Rain is likely to hit the rest of Wales and England, with the East Coast of England looking drier.
By 3am, a bright orange patch is shown over the Cairngorms National Park, indicating freezing rain will be falling at a rate of 1mm per hour. Patches of snow will be seen in Cumbria, North Wales and Scotland.
The South of England, including Devon and Cornwall, is expected to remain dry, while other areas are forecast to see rain.
The Met Office five-day weather forecast says there’s an unsettled week ahead.
Today’s forecast reads: “Cloudy today with some ice and fog patches at first. Outbreaks of light rain and drizzle are possible for most today. Spells of rain will be heavier in the North-east with hill snow in Scotland. Turning breezy through the day.”
Tonight, it says rain will spread into southern England and Wales, with local flooding possible.
It adds that spells of rain and mainly hill snow will continue in the North-east. It will be a windy night for many.
Tuesday’s forecast reads: “Remaining cloudy and windy with outbreaks of rain for many, turning heavy at times. Further hill snow in northeast Scotland, and to lower levels in the Northern Isles. Feeling cold.”
From Wednesday to Friday, it says conditions will remain unsettled with showers or longer spells of heavy rain affecting most areas, coupled with brisk winds at times.
It will be brighter in the South on Wednesday, but colder further north later.
