Scotland could see first significant snow around Oct 21, models show

Weather models show parts of Scotland could see the first significant snow of the season around October 21, with up to about 10 centimetres, or nearly four inches, likely in higher ground, according to projections from WXCharts using MetDesk data and the GFS model. Forecasters say the flurries are most likely in the Scottish Highlands early on October 21, with snow falling from around 6am and persisting into the late morning, and the pattern could spread southwards toward Edinburgh before turning to rain over much of England.

The modelling highlights the Cairngorms and parts of Invernessshire, Ross and Cromarty, Sutherland and Caithness among the areas at highest risk of measurable accumulations. Specific locations cited in forecasts include Inverness, Fort William and Portree, where maps indicate up to 10 centimetres of snow and temperatures close to freezing. Northern Scotland is expected to be the coldest region, with minimums around 0C and some inland parts of northern England dropping to around 2C.

The same charts show a contrast elsewhere in the UK. Northern England is likely to face heavy, sometimes torrential rain rather than wintry conditions, while southern and central...