Fresh snowfall and blizzard conditions are forecast to hit parts of the UK later this week, according to the latest weather maps, as the nation continues to recover from a fierce cold snap and the aftermath of Storm Goretti.
Wintry Blast Targets Specific Regions
Despite a shift towards milder temperatures for much of the country, new data from WXCharts indicates that 15 counties, primarily across Scotland and Northern Ireland, are in line for another wintry assault. The snowfall is predicted to begin on Thursday evening, 15th January 2026, and continue overnight.
In Scotland, the snow is expected to lie thickly across the Highlands, with fresh falls extending from Inverness-shire down to Ayrshire. While much of the precipitation will be light—around 1mm per hour or less—heavier conditions are anticipated in areas including Midlothian and West Lothian.
Full List of Counties on Snow Alert
The following counties have been identified by weather maps as likely to experience snow this week:
Scotland:
- Aberdeenshire
- Ayrshire
- Banffshire
- Clackmannanshire
- Dunbartonshire
- Inverness-shire
- Lanarkshire
- Midlothian
- Nairnshire
- Perthshire
- Renfrewshire
- Stirlingshire
- West Lothian
Northern Ireland:
- County Antrim
- County Down
Flood Risk Follows Storm and Thaw
The Met Office has warned that the combination of heavy rain, melting snow, and ice from the recent severe weather could lead to a heightened risk of flooding. This follows Storm Goretti, which brought gusts of up to 100mph and triggered a rare red weather warning for wind in the South West.
Forecasters state that Thursday will see wet and windy weather pushing northeastwards across the UK, with coastal areas and western regions bearing the brunt of the rain. England and Wales are expected to be spared further snow for now.
Friday is then set to bring blustery showers, with temperatures remaining milder in the south. The Met Office has specifically cautioned that a "rapid thaw" across northern parts of the UK, coupled with additional rainfall, may cause localised flooding as river levels rise.
