New snow maps show exact date 'Arctic blast' could hit Britain

The latest weather maps suggest Britain could be hit by an Arctic blast in less than two weeks, with WX Charts anticipating a covering of snow across the UK from November 18 as temperatures are set to take a nosedive. The fresh data aligns with previous speculations that areas, particularly Scotland, might see the first snowflakes falling soon.

Some reports have even urged Britons to prepare for bone-chilling -1C temperatures which may plunge further to -6C in parts of Scotland during an anticipated 66-hour snow spell. The new maps indicate swathes of the nation potentially enveloped in white and purple hues, hinting at significant snow depths, reports the Mirror.

Yet, Met Office forecasters maintain a cautious stance on these long-range predictions. Weather service spokesperson Andrea Bishop, in a conversation with Country Living, emphasised: “There is no indication of widespread snow at this time and snow is not something that can be forecast at such a long timeframe.

Forecasting snow in the UK isn't like some other places along the UK's latitude, where snow can be quite reliably forecast days or weeks in advance. ”.

"Because of the UK's location, where the air comes from is incredibly important when it comes to determining if snow is possible. Being surrounded by water also adds another factor to predicting snow chances in the UK. It may not feel like it if you dip your toe in, but the water in the seas around the UK is well above freezing and that affects the temperature of the air close to the surface which can determine how much snow is in the forecast."

The Met Office's long-range forecast, spanning November 12 to November 21, indicates that "cold spells" and "fog" can be expected in the upcoming weeks. The forecast states: "Likely still a good deal of dry weather during the middle of next week. Most areas should be largely dry with a good chance of sunny spells but also scope for overnight frost in clearer areas. The influence of high pressure is likely to decline through the course of next week with an increasing chance of showers or longer spells of rain, initially more likely in the east."

"However, there is currently significant uncertainty in how quickly conditions turn more unsettled. Thereafter, likely more mixed conditions conditions with some wetter, windier weather at times but also some drier interludes bringing the chance of morning fog patches. Temperatures overall around average though with potential for some rather cold spells."