The United Kingdom is on the verge of a major snowstorm stretching an impressive 248 miles, set to blanket nearly all of England except for six counties. According to the latest snow maps, a thick layer of snow will cover a broad swath from Gloucester in the southwest all the way to Durham in the northeast.
Forecast charts from the ECMWF, provided by WXCharts and valid for Tuesday, January 27 at 6 pm, indicate widespread snowfall across the majority of England. However, counties such as Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Somerset, Wiltshire, and Gloucestershire are expected to avoid significant snowfall during this event.
James Madden of Exacta Weather explained that both the latest GFS and ECM models are forecasting increasing snow potential, particularly affecting the northern half of the UK starting Thursday. Snowfall will be most prominent over moderate to higher elevations and will continue into Friday.
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Madden also highlighted a prolonged period of wintry weather, with widespread snow showers forecast from west to east beginning Saturday and extending into Sunday and beyond. The precipitations will coincide with colder air masses arriving from the east and north, intensifying the winter conditions.
He emphasized that as the week progresses, chilly easterly and northeasterly winds will usher in colder temperatures and continued snowy scenarios. From Wednesday through Friday, the UK will experience the onset of wintry weather marked by snowfall, wind, and rain transitioning to snow, especially in higher terrains.
Overall, the outlook suggests a significant cold spell accompanied by persistent snow showers, posing challenges and demanding preparedness across much of England in the days ahead.