March and April are the best months for snow - because it doesn't linger

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http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/public/weather/forecast 

UK Outlook for Sunday 31 Jan 2016 to Tuesday 9 Feb 2016:

A cold and showery start is expected for most on Sunday, showers falling as snow on hills, and possibly to lower levels at times in the north. A frontal system is then likely to spread northeastwards across the country through the rest of Sunday, bringing rain, strong winds, and a return to milder conditions. Thereafter it looks likely to remain changeable and often unsettled, especially in the northwest, with various depressions running in from the Atlantic, bringing further bands of rain interspersed by colder, showery conditions, with snow at times in the north. It will often be windy with gales at times, most frequently in the north and west. Temperature should be near or slightly above average, though briefly dipping below average with some night frost in any colder periods.

UK Outlook for Wednesday 10 Feb 2016 to Wednesday 24 Feb 2016:

The start of the period looks likely to remain changeable with unsettled, milder spells interspersed with colder, showery interludes. The windiest and most unsettled weather is likely to occur in the north and northwest while the south and southeast should see somewhat drier conditions overall, though even here some rain and strong winds are likely at times. Despite relatively mild conditions prevailing some overnight frost and fog is quite probable in any quieter intervals. As we move into the second half of February there are signs that pressure may build in the mid Atlantic bringing a more north to northwesterly airflow to the British Isles, thus increasing the risk of colder conditions developing.

WSI 3 monthly outlook has updated

http://www.wsi.com/news/scheduled-forecasts/wsi-europe-colder-pattern-in-january-to-be-temporary-as-warm-westerly-pattern-returns-for-february 

 

A friend of mine in Korea posted phone screenshots showing -15C in Seoul and photos of the Han River frozen!

 

It does seem quite unfair that (so far) our bit of the planet seems to be the only part that hasn't been getting these major cold shots.

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Great Vid, our time will come again I'm sure of that

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Indeed - this is why we should go to Taipei or Vietnam - even HK. It's colder there and at least they get cold snowy weather - they are sub-tropical anyway ha! ;)

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http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/public/weather/forecast 

UK Outlook for Monday 1 Feb 2016 to Wednesday 10 Feb 2016:

Most parts should start Monday windy and mild with outbreaks of rain. However, colder and showery weather already into the northwest, should transfer gradually southeastwards. These colder conditions are expected to persist into the middle of next week. There will be sunny spells but also occasional showers which could be heavy and thundery at times. Snow is likely over northern hills, and perhaps to lower levels at times. Later in the week it is expected to become milder with temperatures returning to near normal. It will also become wet and windy at times though, with a risk of gales. Changeable weather is expected to continue until the end of the period, with showers or longer spells of rain interspersed by some brief dry and bright interludes.

UK Outlook for Thursday 11 Feb 2016 to Thursday 25 Feb 2016:

The start of the period looks likely to remain changeable with unsettled, milder spells interspersed with colder, showery interludes. The windiest and most unsettled weather is likely to occur in the north and northwest while the south and southeast should see somewhat drier conditions overall, though even here some rain and strong winds are likely at times. Despite relatively mild conditions prevailing some overnight frost and fog is quite probable in any quieter intervals. As we move into the second half of February there are signs that pressure may build in the mid Atlantic bringing a more north to northwesterly airflow to the British Isles, thus increasing the risk of colder conditions developing.

Beeb/Meto going for much colder next week. 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/features/35424465

 

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yes colder than this week......8c instead of 14c! 

No cold as in wintry at times. Did you watch the forecast?

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http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/public/weather/forecast 

UK Outlook for Tuesday 2 Feb 2016 to Thursday 11 Feb 2016:

Tuesday and Wednesday are looking windy with sunny spells and showers, these wintry at times, especially in the north. Thursday onwards, the unsettled picture should continue, with showers or longer spells of rain, especially in the north and west. There may be some snow over northern hills and occasionally down to lower levels. Windy weather is also expected, with severe gales possible in the west. The changeable weather is likely to remain through next weekend, with unsettled, milder spells mixed with colder and sometimes showery interludes. Temperatures start off cold across most parts, but maybe becoming gradually milder, reaching normal or near normal by the end of the period. However there is the chance of some cold, frosty nights in any drier interludes.

UK Outlook for Friday 12 Feb 2016 to Friday 26 Feb 2016:

The start of the period looks likely to stay changeable, with wet and mild conditions mixed with some colder, showery spells. The north and northwest is expected to see the most unsettled weather, while the south and southeast should be drier, but still with outbreaks of rain possible at times. As we move into late February there is a signal for a northwesterly airflow to develop, resulting in drier, more settled conditions. Temperatures should start the period around normal, dropping to slightly below normal towards the end of February.

 Reads like extrapolating a forecast from the data is quite challenging in the limited space available. My take is it's quite hopeful for cold weather fans but the coin will need to land on the right side a few successive time for a good outcome.

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Colder weather on the cards

Sat Northern areas look wintry - cold everywhere

Sun - milder and wet

Mon - wet and windy mild

Tues onwards quieter but colder " indication of what's to come"  colder flow stays with us longer, Jet stream slips South - lengthier cold spells

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BBC weather @10.40, used the word 'Blizzards ' for Scotland, looks like a good period of continuous snow fall tomorrow/Saturday

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Must be for the tops of he mountains http://modeles.meteociel.fr/modeles/wrfnmm/runs/2016012812/nmmuk-1-17-0.png?28-18

Wet or a bit of wind for 95% of us 

The comment was about Scotland the BBC use the Euro4 charts for their forecasts and not the NMM ones AFAIK http://expert-images.weatheronline.co.uk/daten/proficharts/en/euro4/2016/01/28/basis18/ukuk/prty/16013000_2818.gif

Edit: for comparison, here is the higher res NMM chart for the same time showing the Scottish snow nicely http://modeles.meteociel.fr/modeles/wrfnmm/nmm_uk1-1-30-0.png 

Looks like a good call by the BBC based on available data.

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The forecast very specifically said "not just to higher ground"

 

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http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/public/weather/forecast 

UK Outlook for Wednesday 3 Feb 2016 to Friday 12 Feb 2016:

The start of this period is looking windy with sunny spells and showers, these wintry at times, especially in the north. In the lead up to the weekend, however, further rain and cloud will arrive from the west, perhaps with some snow for northern hills. Thereafter the unsettled picture should continue, with showers or longer spells of rain, especially in the north and west. There may be some further snow over northern hills and occasionally down to lower levels. Windy weather is also expected, with severe gales possible in the north and west. Temperatures start off cold across most parts, but maybe becoming gradually milder, reaching normal or near normal by the end of the period. However there is the chance of some cold, frosty nights in any drier interludes.

UK Outlook for Saturday 13 Feb 2016 to Saturday 27 Feb 2016:

Mid February looks like it may see a change from unsettled, often windy and wet weather interspersed with brief drier colder interludes, to generally colder, drier weather. This looks like it may manifest in change from a west or southwest airflow to a northerly or northwesterly airflow, which will bring some sunny days and cold, clear frosty mornings. Occasional showers will also be possible at times, mostly in the north, and they may fall as snow to low levels. Occasional cloudy, wet and windy interludes will still be possible however. Temperatures should start the period around normal, dropping to slightly below normal towards the end of February.

 Good to see cold weather mentioned....

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I highly recommend 'Winterwatch' this evening. Filming live from
Mar Lodge, it gives a great impression of Storm Gertrude 'up north', and must be extremely challenging for the presenters, nevermind the wildlife!!

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Different again tonight from L Lear

No mention of lengthy cold spells as the Jet stream heads North around mid week(ish)

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And the forecast was interesting too .....   

Clearly the Pro-Mets are not writing this winter off just yet

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Yes I saw that - a bit surprised as One would have thought it would have been upgraded NOT downgraded!?? Do you think the models will flip back to mild again?

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Don't think that'll be the case for long though, unless the models have the wrong idea.

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Nick Miller from the Met Office predicted longer cold, dry spells for February in his forecast earlier this evening.

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