Snow maps are pointing to a potential late-March cold snap that could see parts of the UK hit by up to 36 hours of wintry showers. Several major cities in the firing line between March 24 and March 25.
Weather charts based on the ECMWF model show bands of snow pushing southwards across the country from the early hours of March 24, with wintry showers lingering into the afternoon of March 25. Northern and western areas appear most exposed, but the maps suggest snowfall could reach further south at times, particularly as colder air spreads across the UK.
Cities likely to see snow at some point during the 36-hour window include Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Dundee in Scotland, as well as Newcastle, Leeds, Manchester and Sheffield in northern England. Further south, Birmingham, Stoke-on-Trent and parts of north Wales, including areas near Wrexham, could also see flurries.
There are also indications that snow showers may reach parts of the Midlands and even the south of England, with London, Southampton and surrounding areas shown on the maps as having at least a risk of wintry precipitation during the period.
The wintry spell aligns with the Met Office’s long-range outlook, which warns of a shift to more unsettled conditions in late March. Forecasters say Atlantic weather systems will bring changeable conditions, with a “briefly widely colder interlude” possible as northerly winds develop.
This colder push raises the likelihood of snow, especially in northern regions, while strong winds could also accompany the shift, increasing the risk of disruptive conditions.
Met Office forecasters caution that details remain uncertain several days out, particularly in southern areas, where temperatures may hover closer to the rain-snow margin.
Based only on the maps provided for the period from midnight on March 24 to 12pm on March 25, the following UK cities show some level of snow or wintry precipitation:
