Met Office Names All the UK Areas Facing Snow on Saturday and Sunday

The Met Office has confirmed that snow is likely to affect multiple parts of the UK this weekend, with cold air sweeping southwards and increasing the risk of wintry conditions on both Saturday and Sunday. Forecasters say a combination of falling temperatures and incoming weather systems could bring snow, sleet, and icy conditions, particularly across northern and central regions.

While not everyone will see heavy snowfall, the Met Office has identified key areas most at risk, prompting warnings for motorists, rail passengers, and local authorities preparing for winter disruption.

Why Snow Is Expected This Weekend

According to meteorologists, a shift in the jet stream is allowing colder Arctic air to move into the UK. As this cold air clashes with moisture from Atlantic weather fronts, precipitation is increasingly likely to fall as snow—especially overnight and in early morning hours.

Temperatures are forecast to dip close to or below freezing in many areas, creating conditions favourable for snowfall and ice, even at relatively low elevations.

UK Areas Facing Snow on Saturday

Scotland

Scotland is expected to experience the most widespread snowfall:

Scottish Highlands

Grampian region

Perthshire

Central Belt (particularly higher suburbs of Glasgow and Edinburgh)

Southern Uplands

Snow showers could be heavy at times, with drifting possible in exposed areas. Travel over high routes may be particularly challenging.

Northern England

Several northern English regions are on snow watch:

Cumbria, including the Lake District

Northumberland

Durham uplands

Pennines across North Yorkshire and Lancashire

Lower-lying towns may initially see rain or sleet before temperatures drop and snow develops later in the day or overnight.

Snow Risk Expands on Sunday

Colder air is expected to push further south on Sunday, widening the risk of snowfall.

Midlands

Parts of the Midlands could wake up to wintry conditions:

East Midlands

West Midlands (especially higher ground)

Derbyshire Peak District

Staffordshire Moorlands

Snowfall here is expected to be lighter and more patchy, but icy roads and pavements could still cause disruption.

Wales

Wales is also expected to see snow, particularly inland:

Snowdonia and higher ground in North Wales

Mid Wales uplands

South Wales Valleys

Coastal areas are more likely to experience cold rain or sleet, but inland communities may see temporary snow cover.

Southern England: Lower Risk but Still Possible

Southern England faces a more marginal risk, but the Met Office has not ruled out snow entirely.

Areas with a chance of wintry weather include:

Cotswolds

Chiltern Hills

Parts of the South Downs

Higher ground in Kent and Surrey

Here, temperatures are expected to be borderline, meaning snow may fall briefly before turning back to rain.

Travel and Disruption Warnings

The Met Office has advised people to prepare for:

Slippery roads and pavements

Reduced visibility during snow showers

Delays on rail and bus services

Increased risk of ice overnight

Local councils are planning gritting operations, particularly in regions where sub-zero temperatures are forecast. Rail operators have also warned that even light snow can cause knock-on delays, especially during early morning services.

How Much Snow Could Fall?

Forecasts suggest:

Several centimetres of snow on higher ground in Scotland and northern England

Temporary snow cover in parts of the Midlands and Wales

Light or fleeting snowfall further south

Meteorologists stress that small temperature changes could significantly affect how much snow falls, making updates likely as the weekend approaches.

Why UK Snow Forecasts Are Uncertain

Snow forecasting in the UK is notoriously difficult. A difference of just one or two degrees can determine whether precipitation falls as rain, sleet, or snow.

The Met Office is closely monitoring:

Ground temperatures

Wind direction

Timing and intensity of precipitation bands

Because of this, weather warnings may be upgraded or downgraded at short notice.

Advice for the Public

The Met Office recommends that people:

Check local forecasts regularly

Allow extra time for travel

Wear suitable footwear to reduce slip risk

Keep emergency supplies in vehicles

Drivers in rural and high-altitude areas are urged to be especially cautious, as conditions can deteriorate quickly.

What Happens After the Weekend?

Early forecasts suggest that cold conditions could persist into next week, though snowfall may become more isolated. Forecasters say confidence decreases further ahead, but wintery weather remains possible.

Conclusion

With snow forecast across large parts of the UK on both Saturday and Sunday, the Met Office is urging the public to stay alert and prepared. While not every region will see significant accumulation, wintry conditions could still cause disruption, particularly for travel and outdoor activities.

Keeping up to date with official forecasts and planning ahead will be key as winter weather makes a renewed appearance across the country.