Snow for 24 hours across every home nation : will 1.5 cm/hour Rates and -1 °C Lows Hit Your Street?

Where and when the snow could fall

High-resolution charts from WX Charts and Met Office data point to the heaviest snow over the Scottish Highlands, Pennines, and Snowdonia through 30–31 October. Early accumulations reached 5cm in higher parts of Scotland, while flurries dusted parts of Cumbria and the Peak District.

As the Arctic air mass pushes south, colder showers will continue across the north and west. The North East of England and central Scotland carry the highest risk of further snow into the weekend. Northern Ireland may also see brief wintry bursts overnight.

How confident are the signals?

Short-lived early-season snow events depend heavily on elevation and wind direction. Confidence remains highest above 200–300 metres, where temperatures are staying near or below freezing. In lower areas, most precipitation will fall as sleet or cold rain. Computer models show improved confidence inside 48 hours, suggesting further snow showers for upland regions through Sunday.

What the Met Office guidance suggests

The Met Office has issued yellow weather warnings for snow and ice across northern and western regions through Thursday morning. Low pressure systems are tracking in from the northwest, funnelling cold Arctic air across the UK. The pattern will gradually shift back to a more changeable westerly setup into early November, with wetter and windier spells in the west and drier conditions in the south.

Who is most at risk and when

• North East England: Short, intense flurries and icy patches overnight on 30–31 October.
• Central Scotland and the Highlands: Prolonged snow showers, with up to 5cm on higher routes.
• North and central Wales: Hill snow likely, with slushy lower levels during heavier bursts.
• Northern Ireland: Risk of wintry showers in exposed northern and western areas overnight.
• Urban lowlands: Mainly cold rain and sleet, with isolated snowflakes possible at peak intensity.

Travel, power and daily life

Road authorities have deployed gritters across high routes, with warnings for icy conditions on untreated surfaces. The Met Office cautions drivers to expect slower journeys on upland A-roads and rural B-roads. Wet snow has already caused minor disruption in the Highlands and Northumberland, and power companies remain on alert for ice-related line faults.

What 2cm an hour really means

A snowfall rate of 2cm per hour can quickly blanket grassy or elevated ground, especially overnight when temperatures dip below zero. Roads may remain wet or slushy where salted, but untreated pavements and rural tracks can turn treacherous. Accumulations of 4–6cm have already been reported above 300m in parts of Scotland.

Practical steps to stay ahead

• Check the latest local warnings each evening and morning.
• Allow extra time for commutes across upland routes such as the A9, M62 and Snowdonia approaches.
• Keep a car kit ready: ice scraper, de-icer, torch, charger, and warm clothing.
• Move bins and loose items indoors before gusty showers hit.
• Check in on vulnerable neighbours if temperatures drop below freezing overnight.

Why elevation and wind direction matter

Northwesterly winds blowing off the Atlantic and Irish Sea focus snow showers on windward slopes first. As air rises, it cools rapidly, producing snow above roughly 200–300 metres. Leeward spots may stay dry, but any persistent band can produce a surprise dusting even at lower levels.

What to watch next

Model updates suggest the cold air will hold into early November, with further frost and wintry showers for northern and eastern areas. By mid-month, forecasters expect a return to more unsettled weather, wetter in the west and slightly milder in the south — but with overnight fog becoming a growing hazard as temperatures remain low over damp ground.