Birmingham is braced for a return of wintry weather this weekend, with forecasters from both the Met Office and BBC Weather predicting snowfall on Sunday, January 11.
Weekend Weather Warning Details
As the influence of Storm Goretti recedes through Friday, fresh warnings for snow and ice have been issued. The Met Office confirmed on Friday, January 9, that significant disruption is likely for much of Scotland and northern England on Sunday.
BBC Weather presenter Simon King explained the situation, stating that while the immediate risk of major disruptive snow has passed, a new system is being monitored. "We are keeping an eye on the weather charts for Sunday because a weather system will move in from the west," he said.
He clarified that this would not be another named storm, but an area of heavy rain moving eastward. For parts of Wales, northern England, and Scotland, this precipitation will turn to heavy snow for a time on Sunday morning.
Expected Snowfall and Disruption
The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning effective from 02:00 GMT until 15:00 on Sunday for northern England and Scotland. Forecasters predict accumulations of 10-20cm, potentially up to 30cm over higher hills.
At lower levels, a covering of a few centimetres is possible. However, the snow is expected to be temporary. Milder air will follow the system, pushing temperatures into double figures for many by the end of Sunday.
The Met Office warns that this spell of snow will lead to some disruption. Potential impacts include:
- Travel delays on roads, with possible stranded vehicles and passengers.
- Delays or cancellations to rail and air travel.
- Injuries from slips and falls on icy surfaces.
- Delayed or cancelled bus and train services, road closures, and longer journey times.
Forecaster's Outlook for the UK
Met Office Chief Forecaster Steve Willington provided a broader national picture. "Following on from a Saturday which will be largely dry away from northeastern parts of Scotland and England, a front from the west on Sunday will bring snow for parts of Scotland and northern England with low temperatures continuing the ice risk," he stated.
He reiterated that a further 2-5cm of snow could accumulate at low levels within the warning area, with 10-20cm over higher ground. This fresh snowfall will affect areas already hit by severe weather, making ongoing disruption likely.
For central and southern England, including Birmingham, and Wales, the precipitation will largely fall as rain, leading to a wet and gloomy Sunday for many residents before the milder air arrives.
