The UK is set to be hit by a 24-hour blizzard bringing up to 20 inches of snow, with major cities expected to be buried. Weather maps from the ECMWF model show snowfall beginning in the early hours of January 27, affecting Northern Ireland and Wales before spreading to the Midlands, southern England, and Scotland by midday.
The Met Office's long-range forecast from January 26 to February 4 warns of snow, particularly across hills in Scotland and northern England, but with the potential to extend to other areas. The forecaster notes that weather systems from the Atlantic will stall near the UK due to high pressure to the north and northeast, leading to persistent rain and a risk of snow as temperatures turn colder.
Further snow is expected in February, according to the Met Office's outlook from February 5 to February 19. Atlantic frontal systems will attempt to push eastwards, with the wettest conditions likely in central and southern areas, while colder conditions in the north and northeast bring wintry hazards, especially on hills.
This week, an amber warning for heavy rain has been issued for parts of Scotland, with up to 100 mm of rain expected on high ground. Met Office chief forecaster Dan Harris warned of flooding and ongoing impacts through Thursday.
