The United Kingdom is preparing for a significant winter onslaught, with weather models predicting a powerful band of snow and blizzards set to sweep across the nation later this month. Major metropolitan areas, including the capital, are expected to be blanketed, with some regions in Scotland bracing for accumulations of up to 20 inches (51cm).
Arctic Front Set to Strike from East to West
Forecast data from Metdesk indicates a formidable weather front will move across the entire UK from Thursday, January 29. According to detailed charts from WXCharts.com, the system is projected to make landfall around noon that day, impacting communities from the south coast to the northernmost reaches of Scotland.
The initial band of rain and snow will traverse eastwards throughout the day, with a dramatic shift expected by 6pm. At that hour, precipitation is forecast to turn almost entirely to snow, covering a vast 531-mile corridor stretching from Exmoor in the South West to Kearvaig in the Scottish Highlands.
Major Cities in the Firing Line
Several of the UK's most populous urban centres are directly in the path of this winter storm. Bristol, Cardiff, Birmingham, Manchester, and Glasgow are all highlighted for significant snowfall, with several centimetres predicted to fall per hour during the peak of the event.
By noon on Friday, January 30, the main band of snow will have passed, but the respite may be brief. Localised blizzard conditions are forecast to persist, particularly over London. Maps for the capital show a centimetre or two of snow falling per hour at this time, leading to gradual accumulations.
Significant Accumulations Expected Nationwide
Snow depth projections for the same period paint a striking picture of a nation under a widespread white blanket. By midday on January 30, most of the UK is expected to be covered, with snow continuing to fall over London and the South East.
Even southern cities like Southampton could see 2-3cm of snow settling on the ground. The coverage is predicted to become progressively deeper over high ground and further north. The most extreme conditions are anticipated in the eastern Highlands of Scotland, where drifts could reach the staggering depth of 51cm (20 inches).
Met Office Warns of Colder Shift and Snow Risk
The long-range forecast from the Met Office for the period Wednesday, January 21 to Friday, January 30 supports the potential for disruptive winter weather. It warns of an "increased chance of snow across parts of the country" later in the period.
The forecast describes a battle between milder Atlantic weather systems and colder air from the east. While Atlantic influences may dominate initially, bringing changeable conditions with rain, a shift is possible. "Later in the period, there is an increased chance that conditions will turn colder," the Met Office states. "This potential transition to colder weather also increases the chance of snow across parts of the country."
Authorities are likely to issue travel warnings as the event draws nearer, urging the public to prepare for potential disruption to road and rail networks, especially in the highlighted cities and regions.
