New snow maps turn purple as UK set to be blitzed by -15C Arctic blast in days

Temperatures might drop as low as -13, according to a new weather map that shows a foreboding deep purple region en route to the UK.

The UK is bathed in hues of green, with the majority of the country experiencing temperatures between zero and five degrees Celsius, according to the WX Charts map for next week. However, a purple region with significantly lower temperatures seems to be moving in our direction in the upper left quadrant of the chart.

British citizens have already experienced a “significant period of cold” with low temperatures last week, followed by the devastation caused by Storm Bert, which resulted in flooding and rain that killed five people.

There doesn’t seem to be a lull at the moment. The December 4 low temperatures are displayed on WXCharts maps, which use data from MetDesk. According to earlier maps, the country may get extremely cold after midnight on December 6, with Scotland, Wales, and northern England seeing the coldest temperatures.

The upper left is where the purple, cooler temperatures are beginning to sneak in. (Photo: WXCharts)
However, the Met Office’s weather specialists have revealed what to expect as the days become shorter. “With cold Arctic air firmly in place over the UK, continued winter hazards are likely through much of this week, with further updates to warnings likely in the coming days,” stated Neil Armstrong, chief meteorologist for the Met Office.

With snow showers probably moving in off windward beaches in the north and east as well as drifting into portions of Northern Ireland and Wales, the current focus for forthcoming snow and ice risk is from later Tuesday and overnight into Wednesday. Within the warning zones, there is a chance of more than 10 cm of snow falling on higher ground, and 1-2 cm may fall at lower elevations, which might cause minor travel interruption. Another risk is ice, which can build rapidly on surfaces that have not been treated.

According to the Met’s long-range forecast, which runs from December 4 to December 18, there will be a frigid run-up to Christmas. It says: “With high pressure near, if not over, the UK, the beginning of this period appears to be mainly settled. But there’s also a risk that weather patterns will become more variable, with Atlantic weather systems moving across the nation on a regular basis.

“There is a chance of snowfall, particularly in the northern slopes, along with some wetter and windier periods. It appears more likely that these conditions will prevail in the middle of December. Throughout the period, temperatures were largely near average.

It further states that although there is currently no sign of widespread or severe cold snaps, the weather may feel cool, especially on clear nights. According to the Met Office’s forecast, people in the UK should brace themselves for a combination of calm and erratic weather. Travelers in northern areas, especially those at higher elevations, should be aware of the possibility of snow and difficult circumstances.