A significant snowstorm, dubbed a ‘snow bomb,’ is expected to blanket large parts of the UK with snow, following a period of unseasonably warm weather.
A significant snowstorm, referred to as a “snow bomb,” is poised to affect a large portion of the UK within just days, bringing an abrupt transition from the recent balmy spring weather. Weather forecasts indicate that regions in the Midlands, North, and Northeast of England could be blanketed by up to 7 centimetres of snow, with Birmingham expected to be hardest hit.
The latest models, including predictions from Ventusky, project that the snow will begin falling on Sunday, April 20. Areas such as Stoke-on-Trent, Leicester, Greater Manchester, Leeds, Bradford, and parts southwest of Newcastle are also forecasted to receive substantial snowfall, with both Stoke-on-Trent and Leicester anticipating around 5 centimetres.
Current temperatures, which have recently soared into the 20s Celsius, are expected to plummet to between 0°C and 3°C in the affected areas, dramatically altering the present mild weather conditions. According to the Met Office, this shift represents a “transition from the fine and settled conditions” that have been prevalent throughout mid-April.
In a long-range forecast covering the period from Sunday, April 13 to Tuesday, April 22, the Met Office noted that a cold front would likely progress southeast, resulting in rain and showers alongside fresher temperatures. There is a possibility of intermittent heavy showers and the risk of thunderstorms, although the confidence in this element of the forecast remains low.
The Met Office comments that this period heralds a wetter atmosphere, which could lead to heavy and thundery rainfall in certain regions, particularly in the south and west. The weather agency cautioned that strong winds might also develop in some areas.
BBC weather forecaster Louise Lear highlighted the recent warmth, stating that high pressure has maintained stable conditions across the country. “We could see temperatures once again peaking at 19C, possibly 20C,” she noted, although the east coast, near the cold North Sea, may experience cooler temperatures.
With this drastic change in the weather patterns, British residents are facing a startling contrast as temperatures peak in the coming days before giving way to snow, illustrating the volatility of the UK climate.
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/ – The Met Office provides weather forecasts and long-range predictions for the UK, supporting the article’s claims about an impending snowstorm and temperature shifts.
- https://www.bbc.co.uk/weather – BBC weather forecasts corroborate the recent warmth and predicted cold front, supporting Louise Lear’s comments about temperature fluctuations.
- https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/about-us/press-office/news/weather – The Met Office news section often discusses significant weather events, which could include updates on cold fronts and snowfall in the UK.
- https://www.accuweather.com/en/gb/united-kingdom/weather – AccuWeather provides detailed forecasts for specific regions in the UK, which could support predictions for snowfall in areas like Stoke-on-Trent and Leicester.
- https://news.sky.com/weather – Sky News often covers UK weather, providing updates that might align with the article’s description of a ‘snow bomb’ and resulting temperature changes.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
8
Notes:
The content appears to be up-to-date, detailing weather forecasts for late April 2025. It doesn’t contain outdated references or recycled news from older contexts.
Quotes check
Score:
9
Notes:
The narrative includes a direct quote from Louise Lear, a BBC weather forecaster. However, without external verification, it’s assumed to be a recent and original quote.
Source reliability
Score:
7
Notes:
The narrative originates from the Mirror, a well-known publication. However, it is sometimes considered less reliable compared to institutions like the BBC or Reuters. Met Office statements are used for credibility.
Plausability check
Score:
9
Notes:
The weather forecast seems plausible due to the variability of the UK climate. The mention of specific weather models like Ventusky and statements from the Met Office support the narrative’s credibility.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative appears to be current and plausible, with credible sources such as the Met Office supporting the claims. While the Mirror itself is somewhat less reliable, the overall content seems trustworthy based on available information.
