Travel chaos will be wrought in the UK by an Arctic plunge, while an icy blast could bring blizzards and gales up to 80 mph to northern regions.
Snow will fall in Scotland from today before moving south to the north of England, East Anglia and Wales later in the week – as the Met Office issued yellow weather warnings for Friday and Saturday.
The country is likely to experience intense winds up to 50-60mph on Saturday, causing travel chaos and power disruptions. Ferries, trains and roads could be seriously delayed due to these delays.
According to the Met Office, extreme winds could cause bridge and road closures as well as tiles being blown from buildings.
“Gusts are likely to reach 50-60 mph wide, with 70-80 MPH possible at coastal areas, especially in Scotland and North-east England,” it said.
The website of the meteorologist warns that there is “a slight possibility of damage to buildings such as tiles being blown off roofs” and that roads and bridges may be closed.
MailOnline received a statement from the Met Office saying that they could expect blizzard conditions to hit the highlands. From later this morning, snow will begin and could turn to snow from today until Thursday. Rain could also fall in Northeast Scotland, and the Highlands on Friday.
“As temperatures drop through Friday night, there are chances that we might see snow fall on higher ground in Wales and the Pennines as well as a dash across East Anglia.
Travel chaos could be caused by strong winds gusting up to 60mph across the country. Power cuts and travel disruptions on Saturday are possible. Ferries, trains and roads will likely be delayed. Pictured: This week’s snowstorm is caused by arctic air
On Friday, a wind advisory was issued for Northern Ireland (Scotland) and the rest of the UK. It will continue to Saturday.
According to the Met Office, extreme winds could cause bridge and road closures as well as tiles being blown from buildings. Below is a graphic showing where the wind will blow.
Met Office spokeswoman said that snow could be falling on Scotland’s higher ground. The weather will be windy across western and northern Scotland. This cold front lasts through the day and delivers cold temperatures to other parts of UK, with frost everywhere.
The strong winds are set to affect the majority of the UK, with only a small part of south-east England avoiding a yellow weather warning, and it will be in place until 6pm on Saturday.
He added: ‘The cold front is just lingering over the south at this point. Showers will fall in Northern Scotland, with snow possible on high ground. However, it is unlikely that the storm will settle.
“It’s mostly dry everywhere else. The rain will move into the northwest in the evening. It’s possible to see some snow in the air, but the rain will quickly change to rain once it reaches Scotland.
The weather forecasts yesterday at 9:51 am for strong winds and severe wind warnings indicated that there would be a shift on Friday. ‘A low pressure area brings strong winds and heavy rains to northern parts of the UK and spreads to a wider area of the UK through Saturday.’
“Alongside the wind, we have heavier rains in south Scotland and north England. This could turn into snow in the Highlands later on Friday, which isn’t unusual at the beginning of November.
“Later, in the evening windy and wet weather spreads south. It’s possible to see a snowflurry from the south, but this is unlikely to last. The UK is experiencing an increase in wind and rain. It is blowing at 80mph with the highest gusts and windy weather after November’s mild. The trees still have leaves so disruption could occur’.
Met Office forecaster stated Friday’s weather would be “cold and unsettled” with showers, sometimes longer-lasting rains, and windy. There is also the potential for gales to hit Friday and Saturday.
After heavy snowfall, members of the public walked along Portobello’s promenade in snow.
A car is seen driving through the snow brought to Kelso, Scotland, by Storm Darcy on February 10 earlier this year. There could be more snow on its way to the UK over the next few days
The temperatures in November have been warmer than usual, especially in eastern Scotland. This trend is expected to last until Sunday. Photo: A red stag, Bushy Park, London
According to the BBC, a surge of Icelandic cold air could be seen in the UK during the last 10 days of November. This may continue into December.
The forecast indicates that “a secondary push of Icelandic air colder than normal” is possible late next week. It will drop temperatures further.
The temperatures dropping means that there may be ‘a few spots of rain showers, even some patchesy snow showers,’ in the UK. However, the majority of the storms will hit Scotland. As the week moves on, winds are expected to pick up.
The temperatures in November have been higher than average, especially in eastern Scotland. This trend is expected to continue through the weekend.
The calm conditions have been cited as one of the reasons why so many migrants are successfully crossing the English Channel from northern France.