The United Kingdom is bracing for a significant winter weather event, with forecasters warning a widespread 'snow bomb' is set to hit within the next 48 hours. The entire country is on alert for heavy precipitation, starting as torrential rain on Thursday before turning to substantial snowfall in many areas.
Widespread Disruption Forecast Across Nations
Meteorological models indicate that 45 counties across the UK will be affected by this severe weather system, which is expected to arrive in force from Thursday, January 15. The disruptive conditions are predicted to persist until Sunday, January 18, bringing a prolonged period of winter hazards.
Initial heavy downpours of rain will sweep across the nation, but as temperatures drop, these showers are expected to turn to snow. The most intense snowfall is forecast for Sunday, with charts from WX Charts, using Met Desk data, showing a particularly severe impact.
County-by-County Snowfall Predictions
In England, up to 10cm (four inches) of snow is anticipated across 14 counties. The areas most at risk include Herefordshire, Shropshire, Staffordshire, and Cheshire. The warning also extends across the Midlands and North of England, covering Greater Manchester, Lancashire, West Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, North Yorkshire, Derbyshire, Durham, Cumbria, and Northumberland.
Wales is also in the path of the storm, with numerous counties preparing for wintry conditions. The list includes Carmarthenshire, Glamorganshire, Blaenau Gwent, Pembrokeshire, Bridgend, Denbighshire, Flintshire, Powys, Gwynedd, Merthyr Tydfil, Wrexham, Monmouthshire, Neath Port Talbot, Rhondda Cynon Taf, and the Vale of Glamorgan.
Scotland Bears the Brunt with 10-Inch Forecast
Once again, Scotland appears set to face the most extreme conditions. Forecasters predict an astonishing 26cm (10 inches) of snow could accumulate over Perthshire, with up to 11cm over Aberdeenshire. A total of 13 Scottish counties are on high alert.
The Scottish counties identified include Aberdeenshire, Argyllshire, Banffshire, Cromartyshire, Dunbartonshire, and Inverness-shire. The warning also covers Kincardineshire, Kinross-shire, Morayshire, Nairnshire, Perthshire, Renfrewshire, and Ross-shire.
Met Office Outlook and Travel Warnings
The Met Office forecast for Tuesday, January 13, outlined the building picture: "Largely cloudy with outbreaks of rain, heavy at times. Rain clearing in the north to give sunny spells in the afternoon with scattered showers, turning wintry over the hills in Scotland."
It added that conditions would be "cold in the north, but mild in the south" initially. Looking ahead to Wednesday, the forecast indicates: "Cloudy in the south with outbreaks of rain and drizzle. A dry start elsewhere, before a band of rain moves into the west later in the afternoon."
The critical period from Thursday to Saturday holds the greatest concern. The Met Office states: "Further rain through the coming week. Temperatures around average in the south, but cold in the north. A spell of heavy rain and strong winds possible on Thursday night."
Residents across the UK are advised to monitor official weather warnings, prepare for potential travel disruption, and check on vulnerable neighbours as this significant winter storm develops.
