The UK is bracing for a significant snow bomb this week, bringing with it a rare and potentially hazardous weather phenomenon: freezing rain. According to the GFS weather model, freezing rain is set to hit northern England—specifically the Peak District, Greater Manchester, and parts of Yorkshire—around 6pm on Saturday.
Freezing rain occurs when liquid precipitation falls onto surfaces at or below freezing temperatures, causing it to freeze instantly. The Met Office describes this event as uncommon in the UK due to the specific atmospheric conditions required. This phenomenon poses serious dangers, especially for aircraft and road users, as ice accumulation can make surfaces extremely slippery and hazardous.
Looking ahead, the Met Office forecast for January 7 notes, “Wintry showers easing in the northeast. Widely frosty conditions with patches of freezing fog in the north and east. Rain will edge slowly eastwards in the west, accompanied by some snow in northern areas.”
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For January 8, the outlook calls for “bright spells in northern Scotland with occasional wintry showers, becoming wet and windy further south with snow especially on hills. Coastal gales are expected to develop.”
From January 9 through 11, storm Goretti will bring wind, rain, and snow mainly clearing eastward by Friday, with Saturday expected to be mostly fine but frosty early and late. Sunday will see a return of wet and windy weather, possibly accompanied by snow.
Starting January 11, a shift toward milder but unsettled conditions is anticipated as milder air arrives from the west. This transition may bring further rain and showers, with the potential for another bout of snow in northern and eastern areas before more settled but variable weather persists. Despite this change, very cold weather could linger east of the UK, with a slight chance of a return to colder conditions.
Residents and travelers in affected areas should be prepared for slippery surfaces and rapidly changing weather, taking extra caution as the freezing rain event approaches.