Met Office Names All the UK Areas Facing Snow This Weekend

The Met Office has issued fresh forecasts warning that snow is set to affect large parts of the UK this weekend, with wintry conditions expected to develop from Saturday and persist into Sunday. As colder air moves south and meets bands of moisture, forecasters say a mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain could disrupt travel and daily life across multiple regions.

While the exact depth and duration of snowfall will vary, the Met Office has now outlined the key areas most at risk, prompting local authorities and transport operators to prepare for potential disruption.

Why Snow Is Returning This Weekend

According to meteorologists, the UK is experiencing a shift in weather patterns as colder Arctic air pushes southwards. This colder air mass is colliding with milder, moisture-laden systems moving in from the Atlantic, creating ideal conditions for snowfall—particularly over higher ground, but also at lower elevations in some areas.

Night-time temperatures are expected to fall close to or below freezing in many regions, increasing the likelihood that precipitation will fall as snow rather than rain.

Areas Most Likely to See Snow on Saturday

Scotland

Scotland is expected to see the most widespread and persistent snowfall, especially:

The Highlands

Grampian region

Central Belt (including higher suburbs of Glasgow and Edinburgh)

Perthshire and surrounding upland areas

Snow showers could become heavy at times, with drifting possible over exposed routes.

Northern England

Several northern regions are forecast to experience snow, particularly over hills and moorland:

Cumbria (including the Lake District)

Northumberland

Durham uplands

Pennines across North Yorkshire and Lancashire

Lower-lying areas may initially see rain or sleet before turning to snow as temperatures drop.

Snow Risk Extends South on Sunday

By Sunday, colder air is expected to push further south, expanding the snow risk.

Midlands

Parts of the Midlands could see snowfall, especially overnight and early morning:

East Midlands

West Midlands (higher ground)

Staffordshire Moorlands

Derbyshire Peak District

While accumulations may be patchy, icy conditions could develop even where snowfall is light.

Wales

Wales is also on the Met Office’s snow watch list:

Snowdonia and higher ground in North Wales

Mid Wales uplands

Parts of South Wales Valleys

Coastal areas are more likely to see sleet or cold rain, but inland areas may wake up to snow on Sunday.

Southern England: Marginal but Not Ruled Out

Southern regions face a lower risk, but forecasters stress snow cannot be ruled out entirely.

Areas with a chance of wintry conditions include:

Chiltern Hills

Cotswolds

Parts of the South Downs

Higher areas of Kent and Surrey

In these regions, temperatures will be borderline, meaning snow may fall briefly before turning to rain.

Travel Disruption and Safety Warnings

The Met Office has advised motorists and commuters to prepare for:

Slippery roads

Reduced visibility during snow showers

Delays on rail and road networks

Icy pavements, especially overnight

Local councils are preparing gritting operations, particularly in areas forecast to see sub-zero temperatures.

Rail operators have warned that even light snowfall can lead to knock-on delays, especially during early-morning services.

How Much Snow Is Expected?

Forecasts suggest:

Upland areas could see several centimetres of snow

Lower elevations may see temporary coverings

Snowfall will be heaviest in the north and west

However, the Met Office has stressed that snowfall totals are highly dependent on temperature changes, and small shifts could significantly alter outcomes.

Why Forecasts Can Change Quickly

Snow forecasting in the UK is notoriously difficult. Small variations in air temperature—sometimes just one or two degrees—can mean the difference between rain and snow.

Meteorologists are closely monitoring:

Ground temperatures

Wind direction

Timing of precipitation bands

As a result, weather warnings may be updated at short notice.

Advice for the Public

The Met Office recommends that people:

Check local forecasts regularly

Allow extra time for journeys

Wear suitable footwear to avoid slips

Keep emergency supplies in vehicles

Those in rural or high-altitude areas are advised to be particularly cautious, as conditions can deteriorate rapidly.

What Happens Next?

Looking beyond the weekend, early indications suggest cold conditions could linger into the following week, though snowfall may become more isolated. Forecasters say confidence decreases further ahead, but wintery weather remains a possibility.

Conclusion

With snow forecast across large parts of the UK this weekend, the Met Office is urging people to stay informed and prepared. While not every area will see significant accumulation, Saturday and Sunday are shaping up to be the coldest and most wintry days in recent weeks.

As always, keeping an eye on official forecasts and travel updates will be key to staying safe as winter weather makes its presence felt once again.