The United Kingdom is preparing for a significant bout of wintry weather, with fresh forecasts indicating a sharp drop in temperatures and substantial snowfall across a dozen regions. New data from meteorological service WXCharts shows maps turning a deep blue, signalling the arrival of an Arctic chill that could see the mercury fall as low as -8 degrees Celsius.
Widespread Snowfall and Sub-Zero Temperatures Forecast
According to the latest projections, the most severe conditions are expected on Thursday, January 15. The core of the cold will be centred over Scotland, where the Cairngorms National Park is predicted to bear the brunt. This area could see an accumulation of up to 28 centimetres (11 inches) of snow, with temperatures crashing to a bone-chilling -8C.
The cold snap will not be confined to the highest peaks. Northern and central Scotland are forecast to receive between 3cm and 27cm of snow. Further south, parts of southern Scotland could see up to 2cm, while the Lake District in England may receive around 1cm. Major Scottish cities will also feel the freeze, with Aberdeen and Glasgow expected to see temperatures ranging from -1C to -7C.
Regions on Alert for Disruption
The data highlights twelve specific areas that are likely to be affected by the incoming snow and ice. Residents in these locations should prepare for potential travel disruption and hazardous conditions.
The 12 areas which could be affected:
- Scotland: Angus, Aberdeenshire, Moray, Highland, Argyll and Bute, Perth and Kinross, Stirling, Dumfries and Galloway, Scottish Borders, South Lanarkshire
- England: Cumbria
- Northern Ireland: Tyrone
While northern England is predicted to experience temperatures between 0C and -2C, the rest of England, Wales, and Northern Ireland will see milder conditions, with readings expected to sit between 1C and 5C.
Met Office Outlook: Unsettled and Changeable
The broader outlook from the Met Office confirms a period of unsettled weather across the UK. Their forecast suggests that low-pressure systems moving in from the Atlantic will dominate, bringing showers or longer spells of rain to much of the country.
"Some heavy rain or showers are likely at times, most often across high ground in the west where rainfall totals will probably be highest," a Met Office spokesperson said. They also warned that periods of strong wind or gales are possible, particularly around coasts if deep areas of low pressure develop near the UK.
Despite the anticipated cold snap in the north, the Met Office notes that temperatures overall are expected to be close to or slightly above average for this time of year, with some short-lived dry spells likely between weather systems.
