Britain is braced for a major winter onslaught, with fresh weather data indicating a significant escalation in predicted snowfall for the end of January. Forecasters now warn the incoming snow bomb could be 'even worse' than first thought, with a staggering 70 centimetres (28 inches) set to hammer parts of the country.
Escalating Forecast: From 32cm to 70cm
Initial projections over the weekend had suggested around 32cm (12 inches) of snow. However, the latest modelling from WX Charts paints a far more severe picture. Their updated weather maps and charts now forecast the UK will be hit by the heavy snow before the month concludes and February arrives.
The most intense period is expected around January 31. The data reveals a vast swathe of snowfall stretching from the Scottish Highlands all the way down to the south coast. Central Scotland is in the firing line for the heaviest accumulations, with 71cm predicted by 6pm on the 31st.
Regional Impacts and Plummeting Temperatures
Northern England will not escape the wintry blast. The Pennines and the border region between Cumbria and Northumberland could see up to 24cm of snow accumulating. Accompanying the heavy snow will be a dangerous plunge in temperatures.
Central Scotland could see the mercury drop as low as -14°C on January 30, with many other areas struggling to stay above freezing. This combination of deep snow and extreme cold poses a serious risk of travel disruption, power outages, and significant public health concerns.
Short-Term Outlook: Grey and Wet Before the Freeze
In the immediate days ahead, the weather picture is dominated by cloud and rain. The BBC Weather forecast for Monday, January 19, described a "dull start to the week with low cloud and rain", with fog patches and average temperatures.
Rain is expected to move northwards, turning heavy in Northern Ireland, with frost developing in clearer spells in the north and west. The Met Office outlook for Wednesday to Friday suggests "a changeable few days, often cloudy with some brighter spells but also outbreaks of rain", noting it will turn windier in the north later in the week with the potential for colder conditions.
Residents across the UK, particularly in Scotland and northern England, are advised to monitor the latest forecasts from the Met Office and WX Charts closely and to begin preparing for potential severe winter weather from January 30 onwards.
