The Met Office Issues Major Sudden Stratospheric Warming for the United Kingdom; Snow, Freezing Temperatures Expected

The UK is set to be hit by heavy snow and a -6C Arctic freeze, with the most recent weather, maps revealing the precise date that millions of Britons should brace themselves for the harsh conditions.

Several top weather forecasters have warned that a major Sudden Stratospheric Warming (SSW) event is underway and will soon hit Britain.

-6C arctic freeze

(Photo : GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)

The most recent UK weather maps show that heavy snow and a bitterly cold snap could hit large parts of the country by the end of this month, as per Express.

The map begins to turn icy white on February 2, with Scotland expected to be blanketed in snow by the end of that weekend, with 5cm of snow expected to fall.

This becomes slightly heavier on February 27, with 5-8cm of snow expected north of the border as temperatures begin to fall.

But the worst is yet to come: a heavy snowstorm is expected to hit the country just 24 hours later, burying western and northern Scotland in 12-16cm of snow.

Snow is also expected to fall in large parts of England on February 28, reaching as far south as the North West and Wales.

However, as March begins, the weather maps show that up to 18cm (seven inches) of snow is expected to blanket a large portion of Scotland, with northern England also at risk of a dusting.

Minimum temperature maps also show that the temperature could drop as low as -5 degrees Celsius on February 28 and as low as -6 degrees Celsius 24 hours later on March 1.

According to AccuWeather Meteorologist Lauren Hyde, if a period of stratospheric warming occurs toward the middle of next week, temperatures across the UK could get chilly late this month, particularly during overnight periods.

This is because cold air from the arctic is displaced during these periods of stratospheric warming. If this air is displaced, it may bring snow to the hills, higher terrain, and other typically colder areas. However, confidence remains low at this time due to some contradictory long-term guidance.

Furthermore, top weather forecasters have warned of the possibility of "much colder temperatures" at the start of next month, which could result in spells of wintry weather.

One of these is a Sudden Stratospheric Warming event, which is expected to occur this week and push the stratospheric polar vortex off the pole.

If this interacts with the troposphere, the effects could take three weeks, if at all, to be felt at the surface, but they could manifest in this type of blocked pattern.

As a result, after a relatively mild winter, we may be in for a colder setup through the early meteorological spring.

Also Read: UK Weather Update: Met Office Warns of Dangerous Snow, Ice Conditions; Flood Warnings Reported

The start of spring is just a few weeks away

According to the Met Office's most recent long-term forecast, the end of February will likely see a continuation of changeable weather, with the wettest and windiest weather most likely across the northwest, as per SuffolkLive.

The south and east may see some brief periods of rain, but overall conditions should remain drier and more settled.

In March, high pressure will develop to the north of the UK, while low pressure will develop to the south.

This will almost certainly result in a north-south split, with drier conditions in the north and wetter conditions in the south.

Temperatures are expected to be mostly average, but a period of colder or much colder temperatures remains a remote possibility, potentially bringing wintry weather.

Temperatures should be near seasonal or slightly above for the period February 27-March 12, according to BBC Weather.

However, the second week of March could see a shift to colder weather, with high pressure extending westwards towards Greenland and low pressure developing across continental Europe.

Related article: Heatwave to Hit the UK in April and Climate Change is to Blame: Met Office Forecast