The Met Office has issued a fresh warning that the UK could face another bout of colder weather and potential snow towards the end of January. This comes after the country was battered by Storm Goretti earlier in the month, which brought widespread disruption.
Aftermath of Storm Goretti's Fury
Earlier in January, Storm Goretti, labelled a "multi-hazard event" by forecasters, caused significant damage. The storm unleashed winds of nearly 100mph, leading to a rare red wind warning for parts of south-west England. The severe conditions had tragic consequences, with police confirming a man in his 50s died in Helston, Cornwall, after a tree fell onto his caravan.
The storm's impact was far-reaching:
- Flights were cancelled and train services severely disrupted.
- Hundreds of schools were forced to close.
- Heavy rain and snow compounded the dangerous, stormy conditions.
The Forecast: A Battle of the Air Masses
Looking ahead, the Met Office predicts a meteorological tug-of-war. From next week, milder Atlantic air will clash with colder, high pressure from the east. Initially, the Atlantic systems are expected to dominate, bringing average temperatures, cloud, and showers.
However, the forecaster states there is an increased chance of a shift to colder conditions later in the month. A Met Office spokesperson said: "This aspect of the forecast is still somewhat uncertain but the potential transition to colder weather also increases the chance of snow across parts of the country."
Short-Term Travel Disruption Risks
In the immediate term, meteorologist Greg Dewhurst warned that low cloud and fog could cause travel issues over the next 24 hours. Temperatures will remain around average for the coming days, with some showers expected.
Mr Dewhurst also highlighted an increased risk of heavy rain from Wednesday in Wales and the West Country, an area the Met Office is monitoring closely. He described the outlook for next weekend and into the following week as a "battle ground" between mild weather and the chance of much colder conditions taking hold.
