A major winter storm reminiscent of the infamous 'Beast from the East' is predicted to strike the United Kingdom later this month, with advanced weather models indicating significant snowfall for major cities including London.
Snowstorm Timeline and Expected Impact
According to the latest data from the GFS weather model, the snow event is expected to make landfall on January 23, 2026. A powerful weather front will move in from the east, bringing snow showers the entire length of the country. Key urban centres such as London, Birmingham, Manchester, Newcastle, and Glasgow could all see flurries around midday on the 23rd.
The snowfall is forecast to continue throughout January 23 and 24, also affecting Wales and Northern Ireland. Coverage maps for the 24th and 25th reveal the extensive reach of this wintry blast, showing snow settled on the ground from England's southern coast to the far north of Scotland—a span of roughly 600 miles.
Which Cities Will Be Affected?
Snow accumulation is expected in a long list of UK cities. Maps indicate snow on the ground in:
- London
- Bristol and Cardiff
- Birmingham, Nottingham, and Norwich
- Manchester and Newcastle
- Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee, and Aberdeen
Comparisons to 2018 and Expected Snow Depth
The impending blizzard is likely to evoke memories of the severe Beast from the East in 2018, which saw temperatures plummet to -14°C and snow accumulations exceed 20 inches in some areas. Fortunately, the upcoming system, while coming from a similar easterly direction, is not predicted to be as extreme.
Current data suggests more modest accumulations: up to eight inches in parts of Scotland, around two inches in northern England, and approximately one inch elsewhere across the UK.
Long-Range Forecast and Travel Disruption
The BBC's long-range forecast for January 19-25 notes that while the chance of "meaningful snowfall" is currently low, wintry showers are possible in northern regions, chiefly Scotland. The outlook for late January into early February suggests the dominant pattern will be mild, south-westerly winds with Atlantic low-pressure systems bringing wet and windy weather.
However, the forecast also indicates uncertainty and a chance of high pressure building over Scandinavia, which could open the door to colder flows from the east. Airlines like Ryanair and Jet2 have already warned passengers of potential flight delays due to the forecasted conditions.
Authorities are advising the public to stay updated with the latest Met Office warnings and to prepare for possible travel disruption as the potential 'Beast from the East' draws closer to January 23.
