Heavy snow followed by a rapid thaw and rain could cause disruption around Preston at the weekend, according to the newest warning from the Met Office.

The warning, which is in place from 4am on Saturday (23 November) until 9am on Sunday (24 November) is for both snow and rain and covers areas of north and east Preston, although the city centre and areas to the west and south are not covered.

It is forecast that heavy snow – which will impact areas on higher ground in a greater way – will fall on Saturday before swiftly turning to rain.

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The combination of snow melting and new rainfall is therefore something that could cause disruption.

A spokesperson for the Met Office said: “Outbreaks of rain will spread northeastwards on Saturday, preceded by a spell of snow across parts of northern England and Scotland.

“Whilst snow will become increasingly confined to higher elevations with time, there is the chance of a transient period of snow to low levels in some areas, with perhaps as much as 5-10 cm accumulating in places, especially the Vale of York, before turning back to rain.

“Temporary snow accumulations of 10-20 cm are possible on ground above 150m, with perhaps as much as 20-40 cm above 300m.

“In conjunction with strengthening winds, difficult driving conditions are likely, especially over higher level routes, with possibly some interruptions to power supplies.

“In addition, the rapid thaw of lying snow as milder air arrives, with perhaps an additional 20-40 mm of rain in some upland areas during Saturday night, will lead to a greater likelihood of rainfall impacts later in the period.”

An ice warning is in place in Preston from 4pm this evening (20 November).

While snow could fall as part of this, any impact is instead likely to be as a result of surfaces being icy.

Neil Armstrong, Met Office Chief Meteorologist, said: “With cold Arctic air firmly in place over the UK, continued winter hazards are likely through much of this week, with further updates to warnings likely in the coming days.

“The current focus for upcoming snow and ice risk is from later on Tuesday and overnight into Wednesday, with snow showers likely moving in off windward coasts in the north and east, as well as drifting into parts of Northern Ireland and Wales.

“In excess of 10cm of snow is possible over higher ground within the warning areas, with 1-2cm possibly settling at lower levels, which has the potential to lead to some travel disruption. Ice is an additional hazard and is likely to form quickly on untreated surfaces.”  

A government health warning due to the cold weather is in place until Saturday.

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