A 247-mile 'wall of snow' is forecast to sweep across the UK within days, with weather maps showing 19 major cities bracing for wintry disruption. The band of snow is expected to move in from the Atlantic and cross the country rapidly, bringing heavy falls from Northern Ireland through Wales and into England and Scotland.
According to maps from WXCHARTS, the snow will arrive on Tuesday, January 27, as a deep area of low pressure approaches from the southwest. By midday, north Wales, Northern Ireland, and large parts of Scotland could see up to 55cm of snow. In England, Cumbria, Manchester, Birmingham, Liverpool, Blackpool, and Yorkshire are likely to be affected as the front moves east.
By 3pm, conditions are expected to deteriorate further, with heavy rain spreading across many regions. Only Cornwall, Devon, and parts of south Wales are predicted to remain mostly dry. The Met Office's five-day forecast warns of 'remaining unsettled throughout, with bands of rain moving north and east, particularly on Tuesday when another deep area of low pressure approaches from the southwest.'
The snow wall follows heavy rain that prompted Met Office warnings across 32 areas earlier today. Flooding, travel disruption, and power cuts are possible as the UK transitions from rain to snow and freezing conditions. Drivers in major cities such as Manchester, Birmingham, Liverpool, and Belfast have been urged to prepare for difficult journeys.
Weather experts caution that the speed and size of the snow band could catch people off guard, with conditions deteriorating rapidly over a few hours. Freezing temperatures are expected to follow, increasing the risk of icy roads and pavements into midweek. Residents are advised to monitor local forecasts and prepare for rapidly changing conditions.
