Bristol snow: Forecast for city as Met Office updates ‘blizzard’ warnings nationwide

Forecasters have been warning large parts of England are about to be hit by a phenomenon called Sudden Stratospheric Warming (SSW). Now, experts’ latest guidance is that the resultant freezing weather and any snow is most likely to arrive towards mid-March, but will Bristol be affected?

National newspapers have claimed parts of England will be blanketed by “10cm” of snow which, if it were to happen, would cause mass disruption amid “the worst snowfall in five years”. But, the forecast for Bristol is more reserved, with no snow predicted for this week and a “small possibility” next week between March 3 and 12.

The Met Office predicts: “Friday (March 3) is likely to be mostly cloudy with some light rain in places, although some clear or sunny intervals remain possible. Into the weekend, settled conditions are expected to continue, bringing variable cloud with some clear, sunny spells. Showers mainly along northern and eastern coasts could be wintry across hills.

“Later in the period, high pressure is expected to migrate northwestwards, increasing the likelihood of any wintry showers in the north and east. There is a small possibility of more organised rain or snow spreading southwards, with the west and northwest most likely to remain under a settled regime. Winds generally light to moderate, possibly becoming stronger in the north. Temperatures generally colder than average, with some overnight frost likely.”

Further ahead, into March 13 through March 27, the Met Office adds that “… spells of rain and snow are likely at times, with a small possibility of these combining with stronger winds to become locally disruptive. Overall though, conditions are more likely to be mixed, with some areas remaining largely snow free.”

Despite this, today’s conditions in Bristol have been chillier than in previous weeks. Forecasters are predicting temperatures below 10C for the next week and -2C later this evening.

Tonight:

Staying similar this evening and overnight with large amounts of cloud in general but an increasing chance of some clearer periods developing. Turning frosty where skies become clear. Minimum temperature -2 °C.

Tuesday:

Often cloudy for most with fleeting sunny intervals, especially during the morning. Scattered light showers, these possibly developing more widely later in the day. Feeling chilly in brisk north-easterly winds. Maximum temperature 9 °C.

Outlook for Wednesday to Friday:

Largely cloudy during this period but occasional sunny intervals are likely at times. A few showers are possible at first. Feeling rather chilly with some brisk winds at times.