UK weather maps name 42 counties getting snow before Monday – full list

What WX Charts show about the coming snow

WX Charts is a popular tool for visual learners. It translates complex meteorology into color-coded maps, letting you see where snow is most likely to fall and how much might accumulate. Think of it as a weather weather-vane for your driveway: a line on the map tells you where the wind is strongest, where precipitation is concentrated, and, crucially, where the cold air might settle into a wintry embrace.

What makes these maps useful is their focus on timing and geography. They often pinpoint a specific window—say, a band of snow arriving around early Sunday morning and pushing through the country by the afternoon. They also show intensity: lighter snowfall that flakes down gently versus heavy bursts that could bring disruption for several hours. The takeaway for practical planning is simple: identify the likely snow zones and plan around them rather than waiting for a blanket that may or may not arrive in your street.

However, forecasts are not perfect. Snow is famously fickle, weaving around towns, hills, and urban heat islands. A forecast might predict heavy snow in a county, but a slight shift in wind direction or a change in air temperature could reduce or relocate the most intense snowfall. That’s why it’s wise to keep an eye on updates from reliable sources like the Met Office and WX Charts as the weekend unfolds. If you’re managing a home or business, a quick daily check-in can keep you several steps ahead of any last-minute changes.

Where snow is most likely this weekend

Forecasts currently point to a broad sweep of the nation seeing at least some snow—from higher ground in Scotland to pockets of northern England, with the potential for lighter dustings further south. The general pattern looks like this: a low-pressure system spinning in from the Atlantic is expected to pull a cold air mass across the country. As that cold air meets any remaining moisture, snow can develop, especially in exposed upland areas and along the leading edges of chilly air streams.

In Scotland, the combination of high ground and coastal exposure often makes snow more persistent. In northern England, the same dynamic tends to surface in the Pennines and along the northern fringe of the central belt. For southern and central England, snow tends to be less widespread but can still create surprises, especially in rural lanes and higher elevations. The Met Office yellow warning is a reminder that even if you don’t live in a snow belt, you could still encounter icy roads, frosty mornings, or disrupted travel plans.

If you’re curious about whether your area is in the path, you can use WX Charts or the Met Office’s forecast pages to zoom in on your county or town. The idea is to translate “the country is going to get snow” into “this neighborhood should be prepared today.” And yes, even a small snowfall can affect home heating behavior—more on that in a moment.

To give you a sense of geography, here’s a full list of the 42 counties and regions forecast to see snow, grouped to reflect national coverage. The names below reflect common regional labels used in forecasts and map overlays. If you want the most precise names for your area, check your local forecast, which will align with your council boundaries and postal codes.

• Highlands
• Aberdeenshire
• Moray
• Perth and Kinross
• Fife
• Angus
• Stirling
• Clackmannanshire
• Falkirk
• East Lothian
• West Lothian
• Midlothian
• Edinburgh
• Gwynedd
• Conwy
• Denbighshire
• Flintshire
• Powys
• Ceredigion
• Pembrokeshire
• Antrim
• Down
• Armagh
• Londonderry
• Tyrone
• Fermanagh
• Cumbria
• Northumberland
• Durham
• Tyne and Wear
• West Yorkshire
• South Yorkshire
• North Yorkshire
• Lincolnshire
• Derbyshire
• Nottinghamshire
• Leicestershire
• Rutland
• Cheshire
• Lancashire
• Gloucestershire
• Somerset

Note that forecasts can change with new runs of computer models. If your weekend plan hinges on snow, check back in with WX Charts and your local Met Office forecast for the latest updates.

Understanding the Met Office yellow warning for snow and ice

The Met Office issues weather warnings to help people plan around potentially hazardous conditions. A yellow warning means there is a potential for disruption, and you should be prepared for possible travel delays, road closures, and some interruptions to outdoor activities. The specific window in this scenario is from 2:00 AM to 3:00 PM on Sunday, when snow and ice are most likely to impact parts of the country. It’s a good habit to check the forecast in the morning and again before you head out, especially if you’ll be driving, delivering essential goods, or transporting vulnerable family members.

So what should you do when a yellow warning is in place? First, plan extra time for journeys, especially on rural roads and in towns where winter conditions can slow things down. Second, keep extra warmth in your home, so you don’t have to rely on rapid adjustments to your heating during peak cold hours. Third, stay informed—weather can be dynamic, and updates may tighten or ease the warning as conditions evolve. If you’re running a business or managing a facility, a simple precaution is to implement a snow plan and share it with staff and customers.

When it comes to heating, a well-tuned system can make a big difference in comfort and energy efficiency during a cold snap. If you suspect your boiler isn’t performing as well as it should, or if radiators aren’t warming evenly, this is a good moment to consider professional help. For example, a professional service like Harrow Heating can diagnose issues, perform repairs, or advise on upgrades to keep your home warm. If your heating system hasn’t had a thorough power clean in a while, you might also consider a Powerflush to restore optimal flow and efficiency. Learn more at Powerflush.

Practical tips to stay warm and prepared

1) Prioritize your heating and insulation

Winter isn’t about cranking up the thermostat to maximum and hoping for the best. It’s about smart, efficient warmth. Start by ensuring doors and windows are well-sealed, or consider draft-proofing where needed. A small investment in insulation and draught-proofing can keep heat from slipping away like a thief in the night. If your home has older radiators, bleed them to remove trapped air and improve hot water circulation. The result is a more even, comfortable home with less energy waste.

2) Schedule a boiler check before the coldest days hit

A boiler that’s well maintained is less prone to breakdowns when you need it most. If you haven’t had a boiler service in the past year, book one. A routine check can catch small issues before they become costly problems. If your boiler is older or you’ve noticed uneven heating, a service could be paired with a system upgrade or a Powerflush to improve performance. For friendly, reliable advice and service, you can reach out to Harrow Heating.

3) Consider a Powerflush to boost efficiency

If your radiators take a long time to heat or cold patches appear at the bottom, sludge buildup could be the culprit. A Powerflush cleans out rust and debris from your heating system, improving water flow and radiator heat output. It’s especially helpful if you’ve moved into a home with older pipes or if you’ve noticed inconsistent radiator performance. For trusted service and to discuss whether a Powerflush is right for you, visit Powerflush.

4) Prepare for icy mornings and winter drives

Snow and ice aren’t just a home issue—they affect daily life on the road. Keep a small winter kit in your car: a warm blanket, a high-visibility jacket, a flashlight, a scraper, a de-icer, a fully charged phone, and a spare battery pack. On days when ice is likely, give yourself extra travel time, check traffic updates before you set off, and don’t push your vehicle beyond its limits. If you’re worried about driving in snow, consider delaying nonessential trips or arranging alternative transport until conditions improve.

5) Prepare a simple family plan

Create a quick plan with your household: where to meet in an emergency, how to stay warm if the power goes out, and who to contact if you or a dependent needs assistance. A small plan can prevent panic and help you act calmly when conditions shift quickly. And if you’re seeking professional guidance on keeping your home warm, Harrow Heating is ready to help with practical advice and service options.

Staying safe outdoors and on the roads

Snow can be magical, but icy surfaces are slippery foes. When the forecast features snow and ice, it’s wise to adjust plans and expectations. Walkways can become treacherous, and black ice can lie in wait on untreated roads. If you must go out, wear appropriate footwear with good grip, take smaller steps, and keep your hands free to balance. For drivers, clear snow from windows and mirrors, start slowly, and leave extra space between you and the vehicle ahead. In towns and cities, people can slip on pavements that were treated earlier in the day, so stay alert for sudden patches of ice even after a bright morning.

Outdoor workers should review frostbite risks and weather-appropriate gear. Piling on the extra layer and tailoring tasks to the cold conditions can make the day safer and more productive. If you’re responsible for a workplace heating system, you’ll appreciate a heating professional who can keep workplaces warm without wasting energy. For expert maintenance, consider a heating service like Harrow Heating for ongoing support and safe operation.

Preparing your home for a cold spell

Preparation is a mindset more than a task, and it starts with a quick household audit. Is your thermostat set to a comfortable baseline? Are your pipes insulated, especially those in garages or basements? Are you keeping a backup power source or a plan if the power dips? These questions guide a practical approach to staying warm and safe when the weather turns wintry.

Heating efficiency matters. When radiators don’t heat evenly, it can be tempting to turn up the boiler, which is costly and inefficient. If you’re noticing cold spots, a professional assessment can pinpoint blockages or air in the system. A flush of the system—Powerflush—can restore hot water flow and improve efficiency. Consider pairing this with a boiler service for a comprehensive heating health check. If you’d like guidance tailored to your home, Harrow Heating offers friendly, experienced help to set you on the right path.

What to do if you lose heat or have an emergency

Power outages and heating problems can strike at the worst times. If your heat fails, first check the thermostat, gas supply, and boiler display for any error codes. If you’re comfortable, reset the boiler as per the user manual; if not, contact a licensed professional. A reputable heating technician can diagnose the issue and determine whether a repair, part replacement, or a temporary heating solution is needed to keep you safe.

In emergencies, safety comes first. If you smell gas or suspect a gas leak, leave the property immediately and call the gas emergency line. Install and maintain carbon monoxide detectors, and ensure you have a fire-safe plan for your household. And if you want ongoing peace of mind about your heating system, you can consult with Harrow Heating for a maintenance plan that includes regular checks and timely repairs.

Conclusion: staying warm, informed, and prepared

The coming snowfall is a reminder that weather updates aren’t just information; they’re a call to action. By understanding WX Charts, keeping an eye on Met Office warnings, and following practical steps to heat and insulate your home, you turn uncertainty into a manageable plan. Snow can be beautiful, but safety, comfort, and preparedness come first. Use reliable sources, check updates regularly, and don’t hesitate to reach out for professional heating advice when you need it. If you’re seeking trusted heating insight or a service that helps you stay warm efficiently, remember that Harrow Heating is ready to help, and Powerflush can be considered for a thorough system clean to maximize performance. Together, these steps make a cold spell feel a lot less daunting.

For more tailored guidance on keeping your home warm and energy-efficient during snow events, consider visiting the services of Harrow Heating and exploring Powerflush options at Powerflush. With the right planning and the right professionals, you’ll be ready to face the weekend—even if the weather decides to paint the town white.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When exactly will the snow hit my area?

A: Forecasts suggest a band of snow could develop overnight and move across the country, with heavy snow more likely in Scotland and northern England around Sunday morning. Timing varies by location, so check your local forecast from the Met Office or WX Charts for the most accurate window. It’s wise to monitor updates as the weekend approaches because timing can shift with new weather model runs.

Q: What does the Met Office yellow warning mean for me?

A: A yellow warning indicates a risk of snow and ice with the potential for travel disruption and hazards outdoors. It’s a precaution to plan ahead—allow extra time for journeys, keep homes reasonably warm, and stay informed about the latest alerts. If you’re running a business or managing a building, use the warning as a prompt to activate your snow plan and communicate changes to staff and customers.

Q: How can I improve my home’s heating efficiency during a cold snap?

A: Start with a heating system check and radiator bleed to maximize warmth. If your system is slow to heat or has cold spots, a Powerflush can improve water flow and efficiency. Pair this with a boiler service to prevent breakdowns. For professional guidance and service, consult Harrow Heating and consider Powerflush services at the link above.

Q: What are practical safety tips for driving in snow?

A: Prioritize safety over speed. Clear all windows, mirrors, and lights; use winter tires or chains if appropriate; reduce speed and increase following distance; keep a winter safety kit in the car; and avoid nonessential journeys during heavy snowfall or icy conditions. If possible, plan trips during daylight and consider delaying travel if the forecast looks severe.

Q: Where can I find reliable, up-to-date snow forecasts?

A: The best sources are the Met Office and WX Charts. They provide region-by-region forecasts, timing, and warnings. You can also check local news outlets for rolling updates. For heating-related concerns or if you’re looking to optimize your home’s comfort during cold weather, consider talking to Harrow Heating and reviewing Powerflush options to keep your system running efficiently.