The United Kingdom is gearing up for a significant snowstorm forecasted to affect 21 counties next week, with temperatures plunging to as low as -4°C. This wintry blast, set to hit around Sunday, January 4, will impact all four Home Nations, including Scotland, England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
Scotland is likely to experience the harshest conditions, particularly in the Highlands, where temperatures could drop to -4°C. In England, colder conditions are expected in regions such as Cumbria and the Lake District, where temperatures will hover around 0°C to -1°C.
By Wednesday, January 6, at 6 pm, snowfall will largely be confined to Scotland, with only a small area of Cumbria still affected, according to weather projections from WX Charts utilizing the advanced GFS modelling system.
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Counties forecasted to face snow in England include Cumbria, Durham, Berkshire, Oxfordshire, and Hampshire. In Scotland, vulnerable areas include Highland, Argyll and Bute, Stirling, Perth and Kinross, North Ayrshire, South Lanarkshire, East Ayrshire, Inverclyde, West Dunbartonshire, Renfrewshire, and North Lanarkshire. In Northern Ireland, counties such as Antrim, Armagh, Londonderry, and Tyrone are expected to be impacted.
The Met Office forecast for Boxing Day anticipates predominantly dry and settled weather with some sunshine, though occasional light rain is expected in the southwest. Cooler and breezy conditions will prevail, particularly in the south. Northern and Northeastern regions may experience cloudier skies with light showers, and mist or freezing fog is possible in sheltered spots.
Looking ahead to Saturday, December 27, many areas will enjoy clear, dry weather and sunny spells, particularly in the south and west. However, northern regions will see clouds building, bringing occasional drizzle later in the day.
From Sunday through Tuesday, December 28 to 30, the outlook remains mostly dry with sunny intervals, although cloud cover will gradually increase. Temperatures are expected to stay below average, with especially chilly conditions in southern parts accompanied by brisk winds.
In summary, residents across the UK should prepare for a widespread winter weather event, with significant snowfall and cold temperatures affecting a large swath of the country in early January.