The highly anticipated UK snow bomb is set to hit sooner than expected, now forecasted to arrive on Saturday, January 10. Earlier reports suggested mid-January, but new weather models show significant snowfall starting as early as Friday evening. Some regions could see up to 60cm (23 inches) of snow, accompanied by temperatures plummeting to a biting -14C.
According to WX Charts, light snow showers will begin in northern England Thursday night, intensifying Friday and continuing into Saturday. Central Scotland is forecast to be buried under more than 60cm of snow, with much of the country blanketed in white. England will not be spared, likely seeing snowfall accumulation around 20cm.
Temperature maps from GFS modeling indicate Saturday’s midday temperatures could drop to an icy -14C in Scotland and -9C across northern England. The cold snap is expected to bring severe conditions, making travel difficult.
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The Met Office warns of a changeable weather pattern tied to Atlantic frontal systems that will bring spells of rain, accompanied or preceded by snow, particularly in northern and eastern regions. These systems might also produce strong winds, while intermittent dry and frosty periods may occur under brief high-pressure ridges.
Meteorologist Jo Farrow from Netweather TV highlighted disruptions already underway, mentioning school closures in Aberdeenshire, Moray, and the Northern Isles, as well as impassable roads in the Highlands. Overnight lows have plunged to -7C at Bournemouth and Manchester airports, with Benson in Oxfordshire at -9C and Shap in the Cumbrian Fells dropping to -10.8C.
Snow showers continue to spread across the Northern Isles, the NW Highlands, Western Isles, and Northern Ireland, with western Wales also experiencing icy conditions. The northerly flow is delivering snow to Grampian, Northumberland, and North Yorkshire. A recent snowfall band over the Midlands and Wales may bring unexpected snow for parts of England by Sunday morning, signaling that winter’s grip is only tightening.