Britain is on alert for the potential return of the infamous 'Beast from the East', with fresh weather data predicting a severe cold snap that could blanket the nation in snow and send temperatures plunging as low as -12C by the end of January.
Snow Maps Pinpoint Arrival Date
According to the latest projections from WXCharts, the next major Arctic blast could begin to take hold from Tuesday, January 27. Forecast models show a frigid air mass pushing in from the east, setting the stage for widespread snowfall across the country.
The first flurries are expected in the early hours of that Tuesday, with wintry showers initially hitting parts of Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland from around 6am. The snow is then forecast to intensify and spread rapidly throughout the day, falling at rates of up to 0.4 inches per hour in some areas. By the evening, a band of snow could stretch from Colchester in Essex to just south of Inverness.
Nationwide Deep Freeze Expected
The cold is predicted to tighten its grip as the week progresses. By Thursday, January 29, snow is likely to cover the UK from 'tip to tail'—a distance of over 600 miles—with accumulations of up to two inches in many regions. By the early hours of Friday, January 30, only London, parts of England's east coast, far west Devon, and limited areas of south Wales may avoid snowfall.
Accompanying the snow will be a dramatic drop in temperatures. Weather maps suggest overnight lows could range between -1C and -6C across England, around -5C in Wales, and a bone-chilling -12C in parts of Scotland, particularly around Inverness, where snow may remain settled through the night.
Forecasters Urge Caution Amid Uncertainty
In its long-range forecast covering January 20 to 29, the Met Office indicated the UK could come under 'some influence from the east', increasing the likelihood of colder conditions later in the period. Forecasters describe a battle between milder Atlantic systems and colder eastern air.
They stated: 'Initially, milder Atlantic air is expected to dominate... Later in the period, there is an increased chance that conditions will turn colder. This potential transition to colder weather also increases the chance of snow across parts of the country.'
However, a Met Office spokesperson urged caution, noting the severe outcome is not yet guaranteed. 'For most of next week, temperatures should remain near average,' they said, adding that while easterly winds could bring a chill in the final week of January, it's equally probable that milder air will persist, keeping the worst of the cold at bay.
Residents are advised to stay updated with the latest forecasts as the situation develops, with the potential for significant disruption to travel and daily life from late January onwards.
