UK snow maps flash orange as extremely rare weather event to hit in days

A rare weather phenomenon will soon hit the UK, bringing with it sub-zero temperatures and even snow. After a mild couple of weeks, it has started to become noticeably chilly with low-pressure systems sweeping in from the Atlantic.

And the unsettled weather is only due to worsen as WXCHARTS UK weather maps have flashed orange, indicating the UK could see the very rare and very dangerous freezing rain. Driving and even walking in freezing rain can be hazardous, as it is rainfall that has become "supercooled" as it falls from the sky. Freezing rain is a rarity because the conditions for it are quite specific; however, the UK is expected to experience this phenomenon within the next two weeks.

Weather maps for Saturday, November 22, at midnight show a patch of freezing rain in the Scottish Highlands as well as in Perth and Kinross. These areas are predicted to see 1mm of freezing rain fall per hour.

The Met Office describes freezing rain as "a rare type of liquid precipitation that strikes a cold surface, and freezes almost instantly".

The forecaster warns: "The weight of the ice can sometimes be heavy enough to bring down trees and power lines, and the glaze of ice on the ground effectively turns roads and pathways into an ice rink. The freezing rain can also prove extremely hazardous for aircraft."

Meanwhile, large swathes of Scotland and north-west England will see snowfall on November 22. Moray and Aberdeenshire look likely to receive the brunt of the weather 1mm of snow per hour predicted. Parts of the West Midlands may even see a dusting of snow.

Temperatures are also on track to plummet, with Perth and Kinross to see the mercury plunge to a bone-chilling -3C, whilst the Scottish Highlands will freeze in -2C weather, according to WXCHARTS.

The north-west and north-east of England will only see temperatures hit 1C. Further south, it will be warmer, but temperatures will stay in the single digits.

London and south-east England will see the mercury hover between 4C-5C. Devon will see the warmest weather of 8C.

Separately, the Met Office says: "It is most likely that the bulk of the UK will experience drier and colder conditions into the first part of next week.

"Later in the period there is increasing uncertainty, but a trend towards more changeable conditions is possible, with some rain or showers in places, and perhaps some hill snow at times in the north."