New photo UK weather: Heavy snowfall to hit Britain this weekend

The first heavy snowfall of winter will hit Britain this weekend - with up to eight inches set to cover some areas.

Snow could fall as far south as the Midlands on Saturday and Sunday – and other areas face a soaking with up to an inch of rain forecast further south and west in England and Wales, bringing the risk of localised flooding.

Experts are predicting 'significant' snowfall this weekend, while freezing winds from Russia will also lash the country. The strong winds could reach gale force, with gusts of 55mph to 60mph expected.

Forecasters predict up to two inches of snow over the Cheviots, Lake District, Pennines, Welsh Mountains and North York Moors on Saturday, with a dusting at lower levels. In the Highlands, up to eight inches could fall.

It follows a mostly dry few days, apart from South West England, where rain is forecast today, as a ridge of high pressure has brought settled although often cloudy and cold conditions. 

Walkers at Footscray Meadows in Sidcup, South East London, brave the cold weather on the frosty grass this morning

The A835 and snow-capped Cul Beag from Elphin in Scotland is pictured on Monday afternoon

The Met Office has issued a snow and ice warning from 3pm Saturday until 10am Sunday. But the snow is only set to be temporary as milder air moves in behind the front, sending temperatures rising from 6C (43F) to 13C (55F).

Met Office forecaster Greg Dewhurst said: 'There is due to be quite a big change in the weather this weekend. This week has been fairly settled, with mainly cloudy but chilly days and some bright spells in the east.

'That pattern is due to continue up to the weekend. But the weather front will start to come into the West late on Saturday morning and move east, clearing most places by the early hours of Sunday.

'The heaviest snow is due to be across Scotland, but there could still be 2 to 5cm on the high ground of northern England and perhaps a lesser covering on lower ground. Snow could fall as far south as the north Midlands.

'Rain will be widespread elsewhere across the UK, heaviest across Northern Ireland, western England and Wales, where we could see 5 to 10mm, or 20 to 30mm on high ground. There could be a risk of some localised flooding.'

Behind the frontal system will be milder air bringing spells of sunshine and blustery showers for Sunday. Before the weekend, daytime temperatures are likely to be up to 6C (43F) in the East and up to 10C (50F) in the West.

The Met Office issued a snow and ice warning from 3pm Saturday until 10am Sunday, with up to 8in (20cm) expected to fall

Temperatures today will be no higher than 7C (left), but will feel (right) below freezing in some areas thanks to the wind chill

Tonight is due to be frosty, with temperatures in many areas down to -2C (28F) and as low as -5C (23F) or even -7C (19F) in isolated spots of central and southern England. There will also be a frost tomorrow night into Saturday.

The full Met Office snow and ice weather warning  

MET OFFICE WEATHER WARNING: SNOW AND ICE

12pm on Saturday until 10am on Sunday

Heavy snow and blizzards may develop across Scotland and northern England with a risk of freezing rain in places.

What to expect:

• Possible travel delays on roads stranding some vehicles and passengers


• Possible delays or cancellations to rail and air travel


• Some rural communities could become cut off


• Power cuts may occur and other services, such as mobile phone coverage, may be affected


• A chance of injuries from slips and falls on icy surfaces


• Bus and train services may be delayed or cancelled, with some road closures and longer journey times possible


• Untreated pavements and cycle paths might be impassable because of black ice

There is a risk of snow developing with strong southeasterly winds affecting northern UK on Saturday afternoon into Sunday morning. 

The snow could be heavy at times, especially over hills where blizzards may develop, and is likely to drift in strong winds. 

Across northern England and southern Scotland, snow may turn to freezing rain above 200-300 metres leading to widespread ice developing on Saturday night. 

2-5cm of snow is likely at lower levels, whilst higher ground could see 10-20cm.

But Mr Dewhurst said that as the weather front moves east, temperatures behind it could rise to 13C (55F), against the mid-December daytime average of 7C (45F) in northern England and 9C (48F) in the South.

'The weather pattern is due to stay mild and unsettled through next week,' Mr Dewhurst added. 'Later in the month, there could be colder interludes but milder air is likely to move back in quickly.'

The forecast will be a blow for Scottish retailers, hoping for a brisk trade in the second-last shopping weekend before Christmas. It is feared snow may keep shoppers indoors buying online instead of on the high street.

Retailers are already facing a 'nerve-racking' run-up to December 25. Scottish Retail Consortium figures, released this week, found sales fell by 1.6 per cent last month compared with the same period last year.

Football fans in Scotland are being warned the weather may affect fixtures. On Saturday, St Johnstone are due to host Motherwell in Perth, while Dundee United travel to face Inverness Caley Thistle in the Championship.

In its longer-range forecast, the Met Office said: 'Heading into the Christmas week, it will probably stay unsettled, with further spells of wind and rain, but interspersed by some brighter and showery weather.

'Temperatures on the whole look likely to be a little milder than average. However, there is a small chance of colder temperatures, which could bring snow to hilltops in the north, and perhaps to low levels for a time in the North East.' 

It is unlikely the snowfall this weekend will be as bad as the Beast from the East in March, when the UK ground to a halt. Vehicles were abandoned and businesses closed - but many people went sledging in the streets.

Last week, the first big freeze of winter – with temperatures as low as -3C (26F) – led to many people attending A&E after falls. More than 80 people were queuing at Glasgow's Queen Elizabeth Hospital yesterday morning.

https://textbacklinkexchanges.com/category/the-sun-world/
https://textbacklinkexchanges.com/uk-weather-heavy-snowfall-to-hit-britain-this-weekend/
News Pictures UK weather: Heavy snowfall to hit Britain this weekend

You don’t have to pack away your bikini just because you’re the wrong side of 20. These body-beautiful stars reveal their secrets to staying in shape and prove you can smoulder in a two-piece, whatever your age. Read on and be bikini inspired!

TEENS
Hayden Panettiere
Size: 8
Age: 18
Height: 5ft 1in
Weight: 8st

To achieve her kick-ass figure, Hayden – who plays cheerleader Claire Bennet in Heroes – follows the ‘quartering’ rule. She eats only a quarter of the food on her plate, then waits 20 minutes before deciding whether she needs to eat again.

Hayden says: “I don’t have a model’s body, but I’m not one of those crazy girls who thinks that they’re fat. I’m OK with what I have.”

Nicollette says: “I don’t like diets – I see it, I eat it! I believe in eating healthily with lots of protein, vegetables and carbs to give you energy.”

kim cattrall

Size: 10-12
Age: 52
Height: 5ft 8in
Weight: 9st 4lb

SATC star Kim swears by gym sessions with Russian kettle bells (traditional cast-iron weights) and the South Beach Diet to give her the body she wants. To avoid overeating, Kim has a radical diet trick – squirting lemon juice on her leftovers – so she won’t carry on picking.

Kim says: “I am no super-thin Hollywood actress. I am built for men who like women to look like women.”
https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2018/12/13/11/7376220-6491495-image-a-5_1544700382053.jpg