A staggering 88 UK counties are predicted to be smothered in snow, just days after a 19C mini heatwave is set to blast large areas of the country. On April 17, a 525-mile wall of snow is set to hit Southampton on the south coast to Wick in the north of Scotland, according to forecaster WX Charts.
The heaviest snow is expected to arrive in Dorset and Somerset, with as much as 2cm an hour predicted. However, the online forecaster's radar suggests almost the whole country could be blanketed. Northern Ireland is the only corner of the UK predicted to swerve the flurries.
According to WX Charts, the heavy weather will arrive in earnest on April 16, with the Scottish Highlands, the Central Belt and Borders all hit. Northern England too may see snow wintery downpours, as may North Wales and Mid Wales.
It is essential to note that the Met Office does not predict snowfall so far in advance. The national forecaster maintains that snowfall in the UK relies on a number of variables that are too hard to accurately predict more than a few days ahead of time.
WXCharts's startling prediction of an almost nationwide snow dump follows its prediction for a period of pleasant sunshine on April 11. The online forecaster predicts 19C highs across northern England, with the rest of the country seeing the mercury somewhere between 15C and 17C. Northern Scotland may be cooler with temperatures around 11C, likewise in Northern Ireland.
A dry day, with lots of blue skies and spring sunshine. It will remain rather breezy, particularly across England and Wales. Feeling warm in the sunshine, though still on the chilly side for places exposed to the wind.
A dry evening and night for many, with some low cloud and fog forming in places. An increasing risk of showers across southwest England come dawn. Turning quite chilly.
Another sunny day for much of the UK. Cloudier skies across Wales and southwest England, with showery outbreaks of rain developing here. Warm once again in the sunshine.
Mostly dry through this period, with plenty of sunshine. Low cloud and fog patches forming at night. Staying warm in the south and west, chiller in the north and east.
