Weather maps turn purple in rare snow phenomenon as temperature plummets to -2C

09 March 2024 , 13:43

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Temperatures could plummet to -2C during a snow blast (Image: PA)

Britain will be battered by a snow blast as temperatures plummet to -2C in a rare phenomenon, according to a weather chart.

Maps from WXCharts forecast a mixture of rain and snow until the third week of the month when things move up a level with severe blizzards, which could see up to five inches fall. From Tuesday, March 19, the snow begins to accumulate on the northernmost tip of the country and soon spreads over to the south. The following day is expected to see most of the UK left covered in snow.

In Scotland, Inverness and Aberdeen are likely to be most impacted with a possibility of snow depth up to 25-30 cm as the mercury dips below zero in some areas. As the day goes on, snow will move towards Edinburgh and then into northern England, including Newcastle and then Manchester. It will then continue, with even Plymouth on the south coast seeing some ground snow.

WXCharts forecasts a snow blast later this month (WXCharts)

It comes as the Met Office has warned about an unusual weather event that occurs "once every 250 years". Known as Sudden Stratospheric Warming (SSW), it could cause a significant drop in temperatures. It seems to be occurring for the third time since November, which is unprecedented. SSWs are incredibly rare and often bring cold weather and snowfall.

They happen when temperatures in the stratosphere rise, pushing cold air downwards and affecting the jet stream, leading to areas of blocking pressure. If this phenomenon hits the UK, it could result in a prolonged period of cold weather.

Gales, snow and rain to batter country today with 80mph wind gusts

The Met Office’s long-range forecast between March 13 and 22 suggests that the conditions will turn “unsettled” during the middle of the week with a possibility of overnight frost.

Up to five inches of snow are set to fall (WXCharts)

It stated: “Around the middle of next week, conditions are expected to once again turn unsettled across western areas with outbreaks of rain and perhaps some strong winds, particularly in the northwest.

“Elsewhere, mostly dry at first with some sunshine. By the end of next week, conditions are likely to become more widely unsettled with rain and showers for all regions at times, although the wettest weather is likely to the in the south and west, with some drier and brighter spells still likely in the north and east.

“Showers could be heavy at times in the south, with a risk of thunderstorms here. Temperatures will be near or slightly above normal, although there is risk of some colder interludes, with overnight frost, across northern and eastern areas.”

From Tuesday, March 19, the snow begins to accumulate (WXCharts)

In a recent forecast, Exacta Weather forecaster James Madden said the SSW is likely to bring "more meaningful cold/snow from March" - with this month potentially being the coldest so far this winter. He said: "To date, we haven't seen a sustained easterly developing this winter and the approach has been more from the north during the cold and snowy periods. In essence, the cold just hasn't been able to dig in deep enough from these to bring in parts farther south for snow."

"However, this particular sudden stratospheric warming (SSW) is going for it this time around in terms of obliterating the polar vortex and almost every output and scenario reviewed for afterwards, places us in a strong blocking pattern over some sustained periods from late February and in March/early April." He added that March could have "widespread snow" witnessed in "all parts of the country."

Ryan Merrifield