The UK is preparing for a significant snow event, with up to 30 inches of snowfall expected by the end of the week as two major snowstorms approach. According to WX Charts, using the ECMWF model, the first bout of snow will hit the country starting Thursday, January 8, bringing intense flurries of up to one inch per hour.
Following this initial snow front, a second system is forecast to sweep across the UK on Saturday, January 10, affecting a large portion of the country. The first storm targets London, the Midlands, East Anglia, and the southeast, while the second will impact cities from Dundee, Edinburgh, and Newcastle to Manchester, Birmingham, and London.
The low-pressure system has been named Storm Goretti by Meteo France, with the strongest winds expected to affect northern France. Met Office Deputy Chief Forecaster Chris Bulmer explains: “A deepening area of low pressure—Storm Goretti—will move across southern UK between Thursday and Friday. This will meet very cold air, potentially creating a ‘multi-hazard’ situation on Thursday night, with snow on the northern side, and wind and rain on the southern side.”
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As a result, yellow warnings for snow have been issued for parts of England and Wales, warning of heavy snow that could cause travel disruption and difficult conditions. In addition, a yellow wind warning is in place for southwest England due to strong winds from Storm Goretti.
Bulmer emphasized the uncertainty of the low’s path, stating that warnings may be updated or escalated in the coming days. He advised the public to stay informed with the latest weather forecasts.
The Met Office also warns of an icy start on January 7 with mostly dry conditions but sleet and snow showers across northern and northeastern Scotland. Rain and thicker cloud are expected later in Northern Ireland, southwest Wales, and southwest England, accompanied by cold winds.