New weather maps reveal that an Arctic plume is set to engulf the UK within days, bringing significant snowfall and freezing temperatures. According to WXCharts, a massive snowy system will make landfall on Tuesday, January 6, covering nearly every corner of the country. Snowflakes are expected to start falling from around 12pm, with full coverage by 6pm.
The Met Office has confirmed the predictions, with its long-range forecast for January 4 to 13 stating: "Cold northerly winds dominant across the UK in the first week of January. These will bring wintry showers (often of snow) to many coastlines." Temperatures could plummet to -10C in Scotland and -5C in northern England, with lows of just 1C in the south.
Only the southwest—around Devon and Cornwall—and the southernmost coast of England, including Southampton, Portsmouth, and Bournemouth, are likely to be spared from snow on January 6. However, settled snow will be short-lived for southern areas, with much of it melting by the following evening. Midlands and northern areas, parts of Wales, and all of Scotland will retain snow until the next blizzard on January 8.
The second wave of snowfall on January 8 will cover the country from tip to toe, over 600 miles, bringing settled totals as far south as London. The Met Office warns of further snow on the leading edge of milder conditions moving in from the west during the second week of January, with a risk of snow turning to rain.
