Snow is expected over high ground of northern England and Scotland on Thursday and may fall to low levels for a time in Scotland. Snow accumulations of 5 to 10 cm are expected on some hills with 2 to 5 cm possible to lower levels to the north of the Central Lowlands.
The largest accumulations of 10 to 20 cm are likely on highest parts of the north Pennines and Southern Uplands. In addition, strong winds are expected to develop with gusts of 50 to 60 mph. This will result in drifting of the snow and blizzard conditions over high ground. Associated heavy rain at lower levels will be an additional hazard.
A developing area of low pressure is expected to move across the UK on Thursday. The exact timings and track of this system remain uncertain but it looks likely that this will push across cold air in place over the northern half of the UK allowing for precipitation to fall as snow over high ground at least.
There is then the potential for snow to come down to lower levels at times in heavier precipitation, perhaps more so as the system clears to the east. In addition heavy rain may lead to some localised flooding at lower levels.
Issued at:
10:07 on Tue 21 Feb 2017
Valid from: 02:00 on Thu 23 Feb 2017
Valid to: 18:00 on Thu 23 Feb 2017
Argyll and Bute, East Ayrshire, East Dunbartonshire, East Renfrewshire, Glasgow, Inverclyde, North Ayrshire, North Lanarkshire, Renfrewshire, South Ayrshire, South Lanarkshire, West Dunbartonshire
(A severe storm hits Ayrshire)