Britain is preparing for a significant bout of wintry weather in the first week of the new year, with forecasts predicting a snow storm that could blanket parts of the country.
Snow Storm Set to Hit Scotland
According to detailed projections from weather mapping service WXCharts, the core of the snowfall will be focused on Scotland. From midnight on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, almost the entire country is expected to be covered.
Major cities including Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, and Dundee are all anticipated to experience snowy conditions. The most intense accumulations are forecast for western Scotland, where some areas could see around four inches (10cm) of snow settle.
Potential Spread and Christmas Outlook
The snowy weather is not expected to be confined solely to Scotland. Current models suggest the conditions could also drift into parts of far northern England and Northern Ireland.
While the possibility of a white Christmas remains, meteorologists indicate that the more substantial flurries are likely to arrive just after the New Year's celebrations, in early January.
Met Office Forecast for the Festive Period
The national weather service's own long-range outlook offers a broader context. The Met Office forecast from December 27 onwards suggests that high pressure will dominate across the UK as the year ends.
This pattern is expected to bring largely settled and dry conditions for many, though it may often be rather cloudy. The Met Office states that any rainfall should be light, with winds mostly gentle and temperatures close to or slightly below the seasonal average.
Looking into the first week of January 2026, the forecast anticipates little change for most, with settled weather continuing. However, it does note a small chance of more unsettled, wetter, and milder conditions developing at times, particularly in the north.
Residents in the affected regions are advised to stay updated with the latest local forecasts as the potential snow event approaches.
