What unsettled weather could mean for snow in Lancashire this week
Unsettled weather is set to dominate the forecast for Lancashire over the coming days, and while rain will be the main feature, there is still a chance of snow in some areas.
According to the Met Office, low pressure will remain in control of the UK’s weather, bringing further rain to many parts of the country, including areas already affected by flooding.
However, colder air moving in from the north means snow is possible, mainly over higher ground.
Forecasters say Thursday night will see rain pushing north across the North West, turning heavy at times.
As temperatures fall, this rain could turn to snow over the highest parts of the Pennines, where several centimetres are possible by Friday morning.
At lower levels across Lancashire, the precipitation is expected to fall as rain rather than snow.
Where snow is most likely
The Met Office says any snowfall is likely to be short lived and largely confined to high ground in northern England.
Hill snow is expected to ease by Friday afternoon as milder air moves in, with brighter spells possible later in the day, especially in western areas.
Chief Forecaster Rebekah Hicks said further rainfall could still cause problems in places where the ground remains saturated.
She said: “Over the next few days we’ll see more rain into areas of the country which have already been hit by flooding, and the saturated ground contributes to the ongoing likelihood of some disruption caused by the coming rain.
“The totals we’re expecting aren’t comparable to Storm Chandra, but with around 25 mm possible each day in parts of the Yellow warning areas, it could be sufficient to lead to difficult travel conditions and further flooding in places.”
Weekend forecast for Lancashire
The unsettled pattern is expected to continue through the weekend.
Saturday is likely to bring further outbreaks of rain, with showers more common in the north.
Sunday is expected to be drier for many, although cloud will be widespread and some showers could still develop.
Temperatures are expected to remain largely frost free, with highs of between 8C and 9C, although fog may form in places under clearer skies.
Longer range outlook hints at more wintry risks
Looking further ahead into February, the Met Office says confidence in the forecast decreases, but colder air will remain close to the UK.
Forecasters say this raises the possibility of further wintry hazards later in the month, particularly if colder air pushes south and interacts with wetter weather systems.
While snow is more likely on high ground, some snow to lower levels cannot be ruled out at times.
Deputy Chief Forecaster Stephen Kocher said the unsettled outlook is being driven by a strengthened jet stream, which continues to push low pressure systems towards the UK.