Britain is bracing for a major winter weather event in the coming days, as forecasters warn a new 'Beast from the East' is poised to strike. Fresh meteorological data indicates a significant band of snow and freezing air will sweep across the country, with 24 counties specifically in the firing line for disruptive conditions.
A Chilly Start to 2026
While many had hoped for a picturesque white Christmas, the main event is now expected to arrive just after the festive period. According to the latest projections, a formidable 600-mile-long wall of snow showers and frigid continental air is gathering strength, ready to move westwards over the North Sea and into the UK.
This system, dubbed 'Too Beast Too East' by some, is forecast to make its presence felt most acutely around New Year's Day. The Met Office's outlook for the period from December 25 to January 3 points to high pressure building to the north, which will funnel a strengthening easterly then northeasterly wind across the nation. This airflow will not only bring colder air but also a significant wind-chill factor, making temperatures feel even more bitter.
Where and When the Snow Will Strike
The impending freeze is predicted to predominantly affect northern and eastern parts of the UK, though it has the potential to push into central regions. The core of the cold is scheduled for January 1, 2026, with thermometers in Scotland and Newcastle potentially plunging to a teeth-chattering -5°C.
Other major cities won't escape the chill. Birmingham is expected to see lows around -2°C, while London and Southern England will also dip below freezing to similar levels. In a twist, the warmest spots in England at midday on New Year's Day are forecast to be Stoke-on-Trent, Devon, and Cornwall, alongside the southwest coast of Wales and the Northern Irish coast.
In terms of snowfall, accumulations are expected to be between 2cm and 6cm deep on average. However, some areas in northern England and Scotland could be buried under more substantial depths of 8cm to 14cm.
Counties Facing the Whiteout
Weather maps generated by WXCharts on December 21 pinpoint the counties expected to bear the brunt of the snow on January 1. The full list is as follows:
- Northumberland
- Tyne and Wear
- County Durham
- North Yorkshire
- East Yorkshire
- Lincolnshire
- Norfolk
- Suffolk
- Essex
- Kent
- Greater London
- Cambridgeshire
- Bedfordshire
- Hertfordshire
- Nottinghamshire
- Derbyshire
- Leicestershire
- West Midlands
- Staffordshire
- Cheshire
- Greater Manchester
- Lancashire
- West Yorkshire
- South Yorkshire
The Met Office summary notes that while a fair amount of dry weather is likely, showers will be possible, particularly in eastern and southern areas. These showers may turn wintry, especially over higher ground, as high pressure maintains largely settled but increasingly showery conditions in the run-up to the New Year.
