The UK is on alert as forecasters predict a substantial snowfall event starting January 4, with up to five inches expected in several areas. WX Charts' latest modelling highlights a wide swath of counties in England at risk, including Norfolk, Suffolk, Kent, Essex, Cornwall, Cumbria, Durham, Northumberland, Lincolnshire, Yorkshire, Tyne and Wear, Cumberland, and Westmorland.
The snow threat isn’t confined to England alone. The east coast, East Anglia, Wales, and Cornwall are all poised to experience wintery conditions, with northern regions like Durham and Cleveland potentially seeing snowfall rates of up to an inch per hour.
According to the Met Office, the start of the new year will usher in colder weather: “Most places will remain dry today, with patchy cloud and sunny spells, although a few showers are possible in southwest England and along the eastern coasts. Northern Scotland will become breezy with thicker cloud and drizzle, while clear skies elsewhere will lead to widespread frost and occasional freezing fog.”
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Looking ahead to Wednesday, expect dry weather with sunny intervals across England and Wales, while Northern Ireland and Scotland see increased cloud cover, scattered showers, and stronger winds. Between Thursday and Saturday, a marked drop in temperature is anticipated, bringing frequent snow showers to Scotland that will gradually progress southward. Severe overnight frosts and icy conditions will also become widespread.
The BBC adds that cloud cover in the south and east will gradually clear, leading to brighter skies, with showers mainly limited to southern and eastern coasts. Tonight will be predominantly clear and cold, though some lingering clouds and occasional showers may persist in far northern and southeastern locales.
New Year’s Eve looks set to be dry and bright across much of the UK, featuring wintry sunshine in southern and eastern regions, while the northwest experiences increased cloudiness and some showers along the coasts of northern and western Scotland.
Residents in affected areas are advised to prepare for disruptive weather as the country moves into a period of significant winter conditions.