The UK is set to experience two dangerous and unusual weather events within days, with Birmingham and other parts of the country at risk. According to maps and charts generated by the Global Forecast System (GFS), February 1 will bring freezing rain and ice pellets to various regions, alongside a fresh snowstorm threatening the West Midlands and north-west England.
Freezing rain, highlighted in orange on the GFS maps, is expected to impact areas including Snowdonia, the north-east, the East of England, and eastern Scotland. Meanwhile, the lime green zones indicate ice pellets potentially falling over Durham, Cumbria, Northumberland, and the Scottish Borders.
The West Midlands conurbation, encompassing Birmingham, faces a high threat from an impending “snow bomb,” which could cause significant disruption. This region was recently paralyzed by Storm Goretti just two weeks ago, which led to widespread travel chaos.
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BBC Weather’s forecast for Tuesday, January 20, outlines varying weather conditions across the UK. Early in the day, cloud cover with scattered rain will give way to drier and sunnier weather in many areas, while the south-west, Northern Ireland, and Wales will experience wet and windy conditions later. Overnight, a band of rain will move northeastwards, reaching Scotland and south-east England by dawn, followed by showers in the west.
Looking ahead to Wednesday, rain lingering in the far north and east will clear, but southern regions will see rain spreading northwards, reaching southern Scotland by afternoon amid windy and blustery conditions.
The Thursday-to-Saturday forecast predicts continued windy and cloudy weather with blustery rain and showers, and a risk of snow in northern hills. Friday appears unsettled with persistent rain, particularly in the south-west, and wintry precipitation over northern high grounds. By Saturday, conditions are expected to ease slightly, becoming calmer and brighter from the south, though cloud cover will persist in northern areas.
These forecasts underscore the need for preparedness as the UK braces for rare winter weather compounds that could disrupt daily life and travel in several regions, with Birmingham prominently in the crosshairs.