‘HEAVY snow’ is forecast for parts of Somerset tomorrow as the Met Office warns Arctic air swarming over the UK is expected to bring more disruption.

A cold snap is currently gripping the nation and while rain and milder temperatures are forecast for the weekend, more snow and ice is expected over coming days.

Snow warnings are currently in place for parts of Scotland which has seen plenty of snow in recent days, while an ice alert remains in place for parts of North West England, Northern Ireland, and the East Anglia.

No snow warnings are currently in place for Somerset, but the Met Office has forecast sleet and snow for a number of areas in Somerset tomorrow (Thursday, November 21).

Temperatures could drop to as low as -2°C in Wellington tomorrow, with sleet forecast for most of the morning. The forecast is much the same just over the border in Hemyock and Clayhidon, on the Blackdown Hills, until around 12pm when the Met Office forecasts a flurry of ‘heavy snow’ for the villages and surrounding area.

‘Heavy snow’ is also forecast for Ashbrittle and Appley from 9am tomorrow.

Villages in the Wellington area could see heavy snow tomorrow
Villages in the Wellington area could see heavy snow tomorrow (Villages in the Wellington area could see heavy snow tomorrow)

Met Office Chief Meteorologist Neil Armstrong said: “With cold Arctic air firmly in place over the UK, continued winter hazards are likely through much of this week, with further updates to warnings likely in the coming days.

“The current focus for upcoming snow and ice risk is from later on Tuesday and overnight into Wednesday, with snow showers likely moving in off windward coasts in the north and east, as well as drifting into parts of Northern Ireland and Wales.

“In excess of 10cm of snow is possible over higher ground within the warning areas, with 1-2cm possibly settling at lower levels, which has the potential to lead to some travel disruption. Ice is an additional hazard and is likely to form quickly on untreated surfaces.”  

National Highways Severe Weather Resilience Manager, Darren Clark said: “Gritters will be out treating our roads around the clock when ice or snow is forecast, but it is still important to drive to the conditions.  

“Keep your distance and reduce your speed, because even in conditions that seem normal, and where the snow is not settling, it can be slippery if ice patches have formed, or where fresh grit has not been worked into the carriageway.  

“Drivers should plan their journeys, monitor weather reports and pack a snow kit of blankets, food, water and a shovel.”