Britain is bracing for a second major snowstorm next week, with fresh weather modelling predicting a powerful blizzard will sweep across the country and blanket major cities, including London.
Widespread Snow Set to Disrupt Thursday Morning
According to the latest maps, a significant band of snow is forecast to push across the UK from the early hours of Thursday, January 9. Wintry conditions could arrive as early as 6am, coinciding with the morning commute and turning roads and pavements white.
The first wave of flurries is expected to hit the south-east and south-west, affecting cities like London, Bristol, Southampton, Plymouth, and Swansea. Simultaneously, snowfall is predicted to break out across the Midlands, Wales, and Scotland, setting the scene for a widespread wintry morning.
Areas including Shropshire, Wolverhampton, and parts of Liverpool could also see snow from 6am. Further north, Glasgow and the Scottish Highlands are in line for accumulating snowfall. The active snow band is expected to weaken and drift eastwards by midday, easing into the evening.
Sharp Regional Variations in Snow Depth
Forecasters predict snow depths will vary dramatically depending on location. The modelling suggests around 5cm (two inches) could settle in and around London. The region between Bristol and Southampton may see slightly more, with 6cm (just over two inches) possible.
Parts of Somerset, including the Taunton area, could receive up to 8cm (around three inches). However, the most staggering accumulations are reserved for Scotland. Higher ground in the Highlands could be buried under up to 39cm (around 15 inches) of snow, with Aberdeen facing totals of approximately 34cm (13 inches).
Met Office Warns of Ongoing Disruption
This new snow threat comes as the Met Office has already issued a series of warnings for snow and ice across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. These alerts are in place from today and last through until Sunday, indicating a prolonged period of wintry hazard.
Looking ahead to next week, the Met Office's long-range forecast from January 6 to January 15 states that while cold northerly winds will ease, "some further snowfall is possible" as Atlantic rain bands meet the entrenched cold air. This is most likely in central and eastern areas.
The forecast adds: "From next weekend, the outlook becomes more uncertain... there still remains potential for further spells of snow, especially in northern and central areas." Southern and western regions may see milder interludes, but also risk heavier rain and stronger winds.
With maps showing that potentially more than half of the UK could see snow next week, authorities are urging the public to stay updated on the latest warnings and prepare for significant travel disruption.
