Britain could be in for a significant wintry battering in the new year, with fresh weather maps indicating that heavy snow is poised to sweep across large parts of the country. While a White Christmas failed to materialise for most, the flurries may arrive shortly after the festive period, bringing disruptive conditions.
Widespread Snow Forecast for Early January
According to the latest projections from WX Charts, generated on December 24, a major snow event could unfold on January 8. The maps suggest that much of Northern Ireland, Wales, Scotland, and northern England will bear the brunt of the snowfall. However, the cold snap's reach may extend further south, potentially impacting the Midlands, southern England, and even areas like Devon, Cornwall, and Greater London with some accumulation.
Scotland Braced for Heaviest Falls
The data highlights that one region is expected to be hit hardest. Ross and Cromarty and Inverness-shire in Scotland could be blanketed by a staggering 10.2 inches (26cm) of snow in a single day. Neighbouring Aberdeenshire is also forecast to see substantial deposits of around 5.5 inches (14cm). Other parts of the UK are not immune, with maps indicating that zones near Norwich could receive up to 3.9 inches (10cm).
Met Office Urges Caution Over Forecasts
In contrast to the specific predictions from WX Charts, the Met Office has issued a more cautious long-range forecast for the period covering December 30 to January 8. It indicates that high pressure will likely bring settled conditions initially, but warns of a shift as the new year begins.
The national forecaster states: "Around the turn of the year, high pressure is likely to shift a little farther away from the UK, allowing a greater chance of more changeable conditions to develop. This will bring an increased risk of some rain or showers at times which, with cold air close to the UK, may bring some wintry hazards to some places."
The forecast concludes that temperatures will probably be near or slightly below average overall for this period, leaving the door open for snow and ice.
Despite the absence of widespread Christmas snow, some weather warnings were in effect. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) issued a yellow cold health alert for south-west England until December 27, while the Met Office maintained a yellow wind warning for parts of Wales and south-west England over Christmas Day.
