The UK is bracing for a potential return to wintry conditions, with forecasters warning of colder weather and an increased chance of snow within the coming days. This follows recent disruption caused by Storm Goretti, which brought travel chaos to areas including Birmingham.
Forecasters Predict a Battle of the Weather Systems
The Met Office's long-range forecast, covering January 20 to January 29, points to a significant shift. It suggests a "potential transition to colder weather" which, while still uncertain, could also "increase the chance of snow across parts of the country."
Meteorologists describe the upcoming period as a battle between competing weather patterns. From the west, milder and wetter Atlantic systems will attempt to push across the UK. Meanwhile, high pressure and colder air will try to exert influence from the east.
Initial Milder Spell to Give Way to Colder Risk
Initially, the Atlantic influence is expected to dominate, bringing often cloudy and changeable conditions with showers or longer spells of rain for most. The western parts of the country are likely to see the wettest weather, while the east stays drier. Temperatures during this phase are forecast to be around the seasonal average, with some night frosts in clearer areas.
However, later in the period, the chance of a colder turn increases. This is when the risk of snow becomes more prominent, particularly if the colder eastern air wins the upper hand over the Atlantic moisture.
BBC Weather Highlights Uncertainty for Next Week
Echoing the Met Office's analysis, the BBC Weather forecast for Monday 19 to Sunday 25 January also indicates conditions "turning colder." They describe "increasing uncertainty" with two contradictory patterns vying for control.
For the first part of the week, Atlantic low-pressure systems are expected to bring further unsettled weather with showers or rain. Any wintry precipitation is likely to be confined to northern high ground, with temperatures near or slightly above the January norm.
Confidence drops substantially later in the week. There are signs that strong high pressure near Scandinavia could build towards north-west Europe, potentially holding Atlantic systems at bay. This scenario could introduce colder easterly winds by the week's end, bringing a chance of wintry showers, especially off the North Sea.
Forecasters caution that the milder Atlantic-driven weather could still win out, particularly in western regions, highlighting the finely balanced and uncertain nature of the outlook. Residents are advised to stay updated with the latest forecasts as the situation develops.
