The Met Office has issued warnings as much of the UK prepares for a spell of wet and windy weather, accompanied by snow in certain areas, beginning Thursday, January 22. Hill snow is anticipated over Scotland, with particularly windy conditions affecting northern and eastern regions.
Meteorologists predict outbreaks of rain, some heavy, alongside gales in the far northeast. While many areas will experience blustery weather, the rain will become more intermittent later in the day, with occasional brighter intervals. Eastern Scotland is expected to see the heaviest rainfall, particularly on higher ground where snow is likely.
Elsewhere, drier and clearer conditions will develop, although fog patches may form. The southwest will face worsening conditions later in the day with wet and windy weather moving in.
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Looking ahead to Friday, January 23, the UK will remain mostly cloudy with showers or longer periods of rain affecting all regions. Scotland’s hills may see additional snow, with winds strengthening and gales expected in the southwest.
From Saturday through Monday, the outlook remains unsettled, with continued wet and windy weather, especially in the southwest on Saturday. Temperatures will drop from the east, bringing showery rain and snow, predominantly affecting northern and eastern areas.
Met Office Chief Forecaster Dan Harris highlighted the severity of the upcoming weather: “Rain will become increasingly persistent and heavy late on Wednesday and throughout Thursday across parts of Scotland, prompting Amber and Yellow warnings for rainfall. In some high ground areas within the Amber warning zone, rainfall could exceed 100mm, while many places within the Yellow warning area may see 50-80mm.
“This level of rainfall is likely to cause flooding, with some rivers responding slowly, potentially leading to prolonged impacts through Thursday.”
Authorities advise caution as fast-flowing or deep floodwaters, travel disruptions, and the risk of communities becoming isolated due to flooding remain significant concerns.