Britain is preparing for a significant winter onslaught later this month, with weather models predicting a widespread snowstorm that will sweep across the country from west to east.
Blizzard Conditions Set to Hit Multiple Cities
Forecasters are warning that a powerful weather front will traverse the entire UK during the week commencing Thursday, January 29. According to data from Metdesk and charts published by WXCharts.com, the system is expected to bring blizzard conditions to numerous regions, with several centimetres of snow forecast to fall per hour.
The disruptive weather is projected to begin around midday on Thursday the 29th, initially bringing a swath of rain and snow that will move eastwards throughout the day. By 6pm, this precipitation is predicted to have transformed almost entirely into snow, covering a massive 531-mile stretch from Exmoor in the South West to Kearvaig in the far north of Scotland.
Major urban centres including Bristol, Cardiff, Birmingham, Manchester, and Glasgow are directly in the firing line. The Mirror reports that these areas could see heavy, persistent snowfall accumulating rapidly.
Snow Depth and Persistent Localised Blizzards
The situation is not expected to ease quickly. By midday on Friday, January 30, although the main band of snow will have moved through, forecasters warn that localised blizzards will persist. London is highlighted as one area where snow showers may continue, with an estimated one to two centimetres falling per hour at that time.
Snow depth charts for the same period indicate that most of the UK will be blanketed. Even southern locations like Southampton could see between 2-3cm of settled snow. The coverage and depth will intensify significantly across higher ground and northern regions.
The most extreme accumulations are anticipated in Scotland's eastern Highlands, where snow drifts are forecast to reach a staggering 51 centimetres, or 20 inches.
Met Office Outlook Points to Colder Shift
The Met Office's extended outlook for Wednesday, January 21 to Friday, January 30 has noted an increased likelihood of snow in various parts of the country. Their forecast explains that the UK will experience a battleground between milder Atlantic systems and colder air from the east.
"Atlantic air is expected to dominate initially," the forecast states, "bringing often cloudy, changeable conditions with showers or longer spells of rain for most. However, later in the period, there is an increased chance that conditions will turn colder. This potential transition to colder weather also increases the chance of snow across parts of the country."
This period of uncertainty means residents are advised to stay updated with the latest forecasts and warnings as the potential snow event draws nearer. Travel plans for the end of January may be severely disrupted if the predicted conditions materialise.
