Virtually the entire United Kingdom is on alert for a major winter onslaught, with new weather data predicting up to 72 centimetres of snow could blanket 90 counties in a matter of days.
Widespread Snow Set to Sweep the Nation
According to the latest projections from forecasters at WXCharts, an intense band of snow is expected to intensify on Friday, January 31, sweeping southwards in the early hours of Saturday, February 1. The maps indicate this system will engulf almost the entire country, leaving only Hampshire and Cornwall untouched by the anticipated whiteout.
The most extreme conditions are forecast for Scotland, where the Cairngorms National Park could see a staggering 72cm of snow settling at the height of the weather front. Major Scottish cities will not be spared, with both Aberdeen and Dundee potentially receiving more than a foot of snow. Further south, Newcastle could see accumulations of up to 25cm.
Freezing Temperatures to Grip the UK
This significant snowfall will be accompanied by a severe and widespread freeze. On the morning of January 31, most areas are expected to wake up to sub-zero conditions, with the mercury potentially plummeting to as low as -6°C in some regions.
Capital cities across the nations are set to be severely affected. Belfast and Cardiff are in the path of the heavy snow, while London can anticipate around 2cm of settled snow. Northern Ireland and Wales are also braced to feel the full force of the wintry conditions.
Met Office Warns of Colder Shift
The Met Office's own long-range forecast for the period January 23 to February 1 aligns with the potential for a sharp turn to colder weather. Their forecasters state there is an increased chance that conditions will turn "more widely colder and drier," which subsequently raises the risk of snow across parts of the country.
The Met Office frequently notes the complexity of predicting snow several days ahead, citing factors like elevation, distance from the coast, and precipitation intensity. However, the current models suggest the worst of winter may still be on the horizon for the UK, prompting the public to prepare for potential travel disruption and hazardous conditions.
