A BOURNEMOUTH-based enthusiast has shared his guide to the snow forecast ahead of a possible cold snap next week.
Dorset Snow said on Wednesday weather patterns are “incredibly favourable” for a “true cold spell” by December 10.
He said winter precipitation could be possible as early as the weekend on the heights.
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Sharing his guide to the snow forecast, he said: “Some people think that if the temperatures are cold enough, snow is likely to fall from the sky, only to be disappointed when the thermometer reads 1°C, but the rain continues to fall .
“It shows that there are many factors to consider when forecasting snow, and that’s why it’s giving both amateur and professional forecasters such a difficult time.”
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He said the ideal temperatures for snow are generally below 3°C, probably 2°C and below.
Dorset Snow said: “Contrary to popular belief, it can never be too cold to snow, but very cold air is normally accompanied by very dry air. That’s why very cold parts of the globe don’t always see massive amounts of snow.
“It can rain/snow at higher temperatures, but it normally happens in the spring when we often see heavier showers and air masses that bring more favorable dew points.”
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He added that dew points really need to be 0C or lower for snow.
As for the “freezing level”, he said it had to be 300m or less for the snow to fall so it wouldn’t melt before it hit the ground.
He said the more rainfall, the better the chance of snow.
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Dorset Snow said this is because precipitation falls faster on the surface and therefore has less time to melt.
Wind direction also has an impact and living near the coast the sea breeze can bring milder temperatures and “kill” the snow.
He said: “If we have more of a northerly flow then there is less chance of the wind ruining our chances.”
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