The UK braces for a drastic weather shift with continuous snow and heavy rain predicted to hit various regions starting late April 2024, dramatically changing the country’s weather landscape.
The UK is braced for extreme weather conditions with forecasts indicating 72 hours of continuous snow and heavy rain affecting various regions starting from late April 2024. According to WXCharts, snowfall is expected in areas including the Scottish Highlands from Sunday, particularly affecting the Cairngorms, Inverness, and Fort William. This will be followed by widespread rain across central and south Scotland, south Wales, and some parts of east England by May 7.
Temperature forecasts show a significant dip, with central Scotland facing lows of 2°C, while North and South Scotland, the north of England, and Northern Ireland will experience slightly warmer temperatures between 4-8°C. The Midlands, Wales, and East Anglia will see temperatures ranging from 10-13°C. The south coast of England is expected to maintain around 9°C.
Weather professionals, including the Met Office and Professor Liz Bentley from the Royal Meteorological Society, attribute the harsh conditions to a northerly wind drawing cold air from Greenland and the Arctic. This phenomenon follows the UK’s hottest day of the year recorded on April 12, where temperatures peaked at 21°C. However, after the cold turn, forecasters anticipate warmer weather towards the beginning of May, with an expected rise in temperatures, especially in northwestern regions predicted to enjoy sunny, dry weather.
Despite April being colder and rainier than usual—experiencing a 27% increase in rainfall—forecasters at the Met Office also predict an improvement from Wednesday onward, although not to the extent of a heatwave. The inconsistent weather of April, described as a “month of two halves,” contrasts starkly with its initial warmer week. As the month concludes, forecasters remain optimistic about warmer days, suggesting a gradual shift in temperatures as the UK approaches May.
