It seems the UK could be in for a massive snow deluge, with weather maps indicating we do not have long to wait for the first major snowfall of winter, which might leave Britons submerged under 18 inches of the white stuff. As many will have noticed, the temperature has taken a nosedive recently, plunging large areas of Britain into icy single digits amidst dense clouds.

Northern England and Scotland have seen chills as biting as 2°C, accompanied by persistent rain drenching those on higher land and along the coastlines—a precursor, perhaps, to an incoming snowy blanket as suggested by WXCharts. These forecasts point towards considerable snowfall mainly covering northern England and Scotland come November 23, with Wales also on alert for anywhere from 1cm to 5cm of snow; around Manchester, up to 3cm is anticipated.

Elevated terrain such as the North York Moors, Yorkshire Dales, and Lake District might receive between 6cm and 11cm, but larger settlements are likely to experience only sporadic light snowfall, if any. WXCharts' latest data, which is sourced from MetDesk, implies whilst some localities brace for substantial accumulations, the Met Office cautions others to anticipate less severe "wintry" showers across the regions.

Meteorologists are forecasting significant snowfall in the UK, with northwestern Scotland's Highlands expected to bear the brunt of the wintry blast. According to weather maps, mountainous regions could be blanketed by up to 48cm (18 inches) of snow on November 23, while lower ground areas may see accumulations of between 8cm and 11cm.

The Met Office's latest long-range forecast for November 16 to 25 indicates that most regions will experience rain and showers, which could turn "wintry". However, it downplays the likelihood of any "widespread or disruptive" snowfall, suggesting that southern parts of the country will enjoy "a fair amount of fine and dry weather", reports the Mirror.

The forecast elaborates: "Turning more unsettled and significantly colder as we head into the weekend with low pressure probably becoming established to the east of the UK bringing rain or showers to most regions. The heaviest and most frequent spells of rain are most likely in the north where they are likely to turn wintry, especially to the hills of Scotland, but perhaps also to lower levels as colder air digs south."

It adds: "The chance of any widespread or disruptive snowfall affecting more populated areas at this stage however remains low. Parts of the south may well see a fair amount of fine and dry weather. Often windy, with a chance of gales at times, especially in the north and east. Temperatures falling below average and feeling particularly cold in the strong winds."

Despite the slightly milder conditions, southerners are still battling a bitter cold that has lingered over the region for most of November. Surrey weather stations have reported nighttime temperatures of 2C, while Bristol has experienced between 4C and 8C, and London has seen highs of just 12C.