The UK is bracing for a significant Arctic blast next week, with forecasts predicting up to 10 inches (around 30cm) of snow in some areas and temperatures plunging as low as -6°C. Following a week marked by severe weather warnings and travel disruptions caused by Storm Goretti, colder conditions are making a comeback.
After a brief spell of milder weather, new weather charts reveal low-pressure systems moving in from the north and west. These systems are expected to bring unsettled conditions and snowfall as moist air meets the cold Arctic air sweeping south across the country.
Snowfall is forecast for northern England and central to northern Scotland on January 22. Snow will intensify through the day before spreading to eastern regions. Scotland could see as much as 30cm of snow, while northern England may receive 14 to 15cm amid bitterly cold temperatures.
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Temperatures in Scotland are expected to fall as low as -6°C, with southern England experiencing milder conditions but still hovering in the low single digits Celsius.
The Met Office has issued a weather outlook spanning January 17-26, warning of potential “winter hazards.” It expects changeable weather overall, with low-pressure systems dominating. This will likely result in frequent showers or prolonged rain spells, especially across western parts of the UK. Heavy rainfall is possible anywhere at times due to slow-moving systems, along with occasional windy conditions. Some drier, more settled periods are expected, primarily in eastern regions.
Temperatures are forecast to stay near normal overall, but colder spells pose a risk mainly in northern and eastern areas, increasing the chance of winter hazards.
Ahead of the snow next week, this week will continue to be wet and cold with ongoing flooding risks from Storm Goretti. For example, Birmingham is expected to see freezing fog patches clearing on Wednesday, January 14. It will remain predominantly dry with sunny spells in the morning, but cloudiness and breezier conditions are expected later as temperatures peak around 5°C.
From Thursday to Saturday, the weather will likely start dry on Thursday but turn wet with heavy rain and windy conditions overnight. Showers may linger on Friday, with drier conditions returning by Saturday and temperatures stabilizing near average.