March-like chill to bring unusual snow to UK this week

By Andy Mussoline, Meteorologist

April 25,2016; 1:47PM,EDT

 

 

Chilly, March-like air will sweep across the United Kingdom this week, opening the door for uncommon late-April snow.
"Snow this late in April is unusual," AccuWeather Meteorologist Tyler Roys said. "Much of the accumulating snow will be across the mountainous terrain of Scotland and northern England."
As much as 8 to 15 cm (3-6 inches) can accumulate across parts of the Highlands, while a slushy coating to perhaps 5 cm (2 inches) can be expected across the hills of northern England until midweek.

In the lower elevations, including Edinburgh, Scotland, bursts of snow will mix with rain showers, but lasting accumulations are unlikely.
"The lower elevations in Scotland and northern England will observe lasting accumulations only at night or the early mornings," AccuWeather Meteorologist Eric Leister said.
Although the snow will be mainly confined to northern and eastern parts of the U.K. this week, blustery, damp and chilly weather will encompass the rest of the region.
"It will feel like it's late March across the U.K. rather than late April," Leister said.
In the early morning hours this week, AccuWeather RealFeel® temperatures will be below 0 C (32 F). In the afternoon, highs will reach only 10-12 C (50-54 F) in London this week, values that represent normal highs in late March.
A winter jacket may be required for those heading to work or school during this chilly stretch. Despite the snow, travel will largely remain uninterrupted. However, roadways will be slick across the higher terrain.
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While a few wet snowflakes cannot be ruled out at night, in areas such as Manchester and London, gusty showers can be anticipated for much of this week.
A meandering storm centered east of the U.K. will be responsible for ushering in the chilly and snowy weather this week through Thursday.
A new storm moving in off the Atlantic Ocean this weekend will bring along increasingly milder air. The milder conditions will arrive just in time for the cyclists competing in the Tour de Yorkshire three-stage race Friday to Sunday. However, rain will accompany the milder weather.