Storm Goretti threatens heavy snow and potential disruption in parts of UK

Storm Goretti is set to bring “disruption” as forecasters warn of heavy snow, rain, and wind later this week.

While temperatures are expected to be slightly warmer on Wednesday, with dry weather and sunny spells, it remains cold with icy surfaces and slippery conditions.

Met office meteorologist Alex Burkill said there are “a lot of slippery conditions out there”, which is “worth factoring in if you’re about to head out the door”.

Sleet and snow showers are expected across northern Scotland, and the Met Office said a thicker cloud with rain is expected to arrive across Northern Ireland, south-west Wales and south-west England later in the day.

The north and east will see frost overnight, with some “freezing fog patches”, and rain is expected in the west with some snow in the north, according to the forecasters.

Thursday will see a cloudy and cold start to the day with wintry weather as Storm Goretti, named by Meteo France, comes in from the south-west.

Mr Burkill said: “Storm Goretti is on its way arriving later tomorrow and affecting us through tomorrow and into Friday, bringing some strong winds and some significant snow to central and perhaps southern parts.”

The meteorologist said the storm will bring “wet, windy and wintry weather” to parts of the UK.

“As that rain pushes its way and it hits against that cold air that we currently have across us… and so on the northern edge, we are likely to see some fairly significant snow as we go through later tomorrow and into Friday,” he added.

Mr Burkill said exactly how far north this travels is “all to play for”, adding: “Exactly where we see that significant snow, that’s still a little bit uncertain, but the risk is there.”

A yellow snow warning has been issued for a large part of England and much of Wales, and will be in place from 6pm on Thursday until midday on Friday.

The Met Office said this might lead to heavy snow which will cause disruption and difficult travelling conditions.

Mr Burkill said 20cm or more of snow could settle, adding that is “enough to cause some severe disruption”.