The UK could face a repeat of the 2018 'Beast from the East' within days, with forecasters warning of 'significant' snowfall lasting up to a week and a half. High pressure over Scandinavia is expected to combine with freezing easterly winds from Poland and Ukraine, potentially bringing heavy snow to eastern counties before spreading across the country.
Senior meteorologist Jim Dale of British Weather Services told the Mirror that simulations show high pressure developing over Norway and Sweden around January 21, triggering easterly winds. However, he cautioned that the outcome remains uncertain, with three possible scenarios: minimal impact, a prolonged 'proper Beast' bringing widespread snow, or a brief cold snap.
If the 'proper Beast' materialises, eastern counties such as Kent, Norfolk, and Suffolk would see snow first, followed by a gradual spread westward. An Atlantic low pressure system could then lock the cold air in place, extending the event into early February. Dale noted that a week to a week and a half of such conditions would not be unusual.
The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for ice covering much of western and northern Scotland from Tuesday evening to Wednesday morning, as melting snow refreezes. Meanwhile, flood alerts remain in place across parts of England following Storm Goretti, with a yellow rain warning for South West England on Thursday.
The warnings come after rare amber alerts last week caused school closures and flight cancellations. South East Water apologised after a major incident was declared in Kent and Sussex, leaving around 30,000 properties without water due to burst pipes and power cuts.
