The UK is set to experience an extensive snowstorm stretching over 812 miles this week, with the entire country of England, including the south and Greater London, expected to be impacted. Weather maps and charts from WX Charts, which source data from Met Desk, have dramatically shifted to shades of purple and white, signaling significant snowfall.
On Tuesday, January 6, forecasts indicate that Scotland and northern England will be largely covered in snow. Snow depths in these regions are predicted to reach around 5cm, with central Scotland facing snowfall rates of up to 1cm per hour.
By 9pm on Tuesday, the snow is expected to advance further south, reaching England’s southern coast, the Home Counties, and London. This means areas from the far north of Scotland—including Wick, John O’Groats, and the Cairngorms—to Brighton in the south will see considerable snow accumulation.
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Northern England could witness snow depths of about 5cm, with counties such as Northumberland, Cumbria, Durham, Westmorland, and Cumberland among the most vulnerable.
The situation worsens by early Wednesday morning, January 7, when the Scottish Highlands are forecast to experience up to 36cm (14 inches) of snow.
The Met Office provides a detailed forecast: “Many places will stay dry with sunshine today. Snow showers will persist across parts of Scotland, Northern Ireland, and some coastal counties. Temperatures will remain very cold, with bitter wind chills at times.
Tonight, expect widespread frost and icy conditions, remaining dry and clear in the south but cloudier in the north as a band of snow moves in.
Tuesday will bring a mix of rain, sleet, and snow mostly across the north, while the south will experience drier conditions with sunny skies before snow and sleet arrive later in the evening.
From Wednesday through Friday, the UK will continue to feel the cold as frontal systems push in from the west, bringing intermittent rain, sleet, and snow across the country, accompanied by strong winds in some areas.”
Residents should prepare for severe winter conditions as the snowstorm moves in earlier than expected, impacting travel and daily life across the UK.