May snow as weather maps show 30 hours of blizzards as far south as Cumbria and Derbyshire

Britain could be braced for an unseasonal blast of wintry weather next month, with new maps predicting snowfall stretching as far south as Derbyshire. WXCharts data based on the ECMWF model suggests that snow showers could sweep across large parts of the UK for up to 30 hours between May 5 and May 6, raising the prospect of rare May snowfall in regions including Cumbria and Derbyshire.

The maps show bands of precipitation pushing in from the North, with colder air wrapping around a low-pressure system centred over Scandinavia. This setup allows wintry showers to spread southwards, with Scotland expected to see the heaviest and most persistent snowfall. Areas around Aberdeen and the Highlands appear most at risk of disruptive conditions, but the system does not remain confined to the North.

Flurries are projected to extend into northern England, brushing cities such as Newcastle and reaching further south toward the Midlands. Notably, higher ground in Derbyshire - including parts of the Peak District - could see settling snow if temperatures dip sufficiently overnight. Similarly, upland areas of Cumbria may experience brief blizzard-like conditions, particularly during heavier bursts.

Much of southern England, including London, is expected to stay largely dry, with maps suggesting calmer conditions compared to the north, with only very isolated light showers possible and some brighter spells.

Meteorologists caution that forecasting snow this far ahead - particularly in May - carries a degree of uncertainty. Ground temperatures are typically warmer at this time of year, meaning any snowfall at lower levels may struggle to settle. Indeed, the Met Office's long-range forecast covering this period makes no mention of snow.

The Met Office's long-range forecast for the period April 28 to May 7 reads: "High pressure is likely to remain centred close to or over the UK through the remainder of April and into early May. This means a continuation of the predominantly dry conditions, likely with a mixture of some cloudier spells and sunnier days.

"For the most part, rain-bearing weather systems should be kept at bay, though the far west and northwest may seeing a little rain at times, although late in the period perhaps an increasing chance of these coming closer into the UK. Winds will be mostly light, but may be fresher around the coasts at times.

"For most, temperatures will continue above normal, though it will feel cooler along windward coasts in particular."

Regarding its long-range forecasting, the Met Office warns: "When looking at forecasts beyond five days into the future, the chaotic nature of the atmosphere begins to play a larger part - small events currently over the Atlantic can have potentially significant impacts on our weather in the UK and Ireland in several days' time".