Arctic Blast Targets Britain with Prolonged Snowfall
Britain gears up for a 78-hour snow onslaught affecting 16 cities as weather maps reveal an Arctic blast surging from Scandinavia. ECMWF model forecasts highlight icy air plunging southward while low-pressure systems linger nearby, setting the stage for multiple snow waves instead of a one-off storm.
Timeline of Wintry Conditions
Wintry weather emerges around 6 p.m. on Thursday, February 26, intensifying the next day and extending through the weekend. Showers rotate around the system, delivering intermittent snowfall over several days according to WXCharts data.
Initial flurries strike Scotland Thursday evening, followed by an organized snow band advancing south on Friday. This band transitions to snow across northern regions and elevated terrain. Wintry downpours continue Saturday and persist until midnight Sunday, with frigid air amplifying risks in the north.
Risks and Regional Impacts
Northern Britain faces heightened dangers of icy roads, hazardous driving, and transport disruptions. Higher ground in Scotland anticipates the deepest snow accumulations, while low-lying areas encounter temporary coverings and subsequent ice buildup.
Southern England remains influenced by milder Atlantic air, favoring rain or sleet, though isolated overnight wintry bursts remain possible.
Weather Pattern Dynamics
Maps depict a classic cold northerly flow, with low pressure stationary near the UK and Arctic air streaming in. Rotating snow bands wrap around the system, potentially crossing affected areas multiple times across three days.
Forecasters emphasize that long-range models remain subject to change, yet signals increasingly favor a colder, more unsettled conclusion to February across the nation.
