The Met Office has issued urgent advice for Birmingham households to prepare an emergency “pack” as the region braces for a significant snow event on Friday. With Amber and Yellow National Severe Weather Warnings in place, a blast of Arctic air is set to bring prolonged cold conditions and heavy snowfall to parts of the UK.
Residents are advised to equip their vehicles and homes with essential winter supplies. Recommended items include ice scrapers, jump leads, a fully charged mobile phone with an in-car charger or battery pack, warm clothing, blankets, high-visibility gear, empty jerry cans, food, drink, warning triangles, shovels, and sunglasses.
The Met Office forecast details a challenging weather pattern: “Heavy snow showers will affect northern and northeast Scotland today, with rain and snow clearing further south to leave sunny skies. Some wintry showers are expected in western regions and the extreme east.”
Further snow showers will continue across areas exposed to the strong northerly winds, with widespread frosts making mornings particularly cold. “Saturday will see a cold and frosty start, with snow showers persisting along windward coasts and prolonged snowfall likely in northeast Scotland. The cold spell will continue with frequent frosts at night and showers easing from Monday,” the forecast states.
Latest WX Charts forecasts predict that heavy snowfall could begin as early as 6am on January 5, potentially depositing up to 20 inches of snow in some areas. Major cities and regions expected to be affected include Birmingham, east London, Reading, Cheltenham, Stoke-on-Trent, Newcastle, northern Scotland, Cornwall, Liverpool, Northern Ireland, and eastern Wales near Swansea. Snowfall may continue through the day and into the evening, impacting travel and daily activities.
With this severe weather forecast, the Met Office emphasizes preparation and vigilance to stay safe during the cold spell.