The UK is preparing for a potential cold snap, with forecasters warning a significant weather system from Scandinavia could bring a spell of much colder conditions and the threat of widespread snow before the end of January.
Forecasters Pinpoint Late January Date for Colder Spell
According to detailed analysis from Netweather forecaster Ian Simpson, a developing Scandinavian blocking system is expected to influence the UK's weather around January 26. This pattern could usher in "a spell of generally colder and drier weather for the British Isles."
Mr Simpson estimates there is currently a 30 to 40 per cent chance of a snowy easterly flow developing during this period. However, he cautions that the higher probability currently favours a scenario that is cold but predominantly dry, with little snowfall. He also notes that milder, more unsettled weather from the Atlantic could still push in from the west at times.
Conflicting Models and 'High-Confidence' Snow Prospects
Adding to the forecast, James Madden from Exacta Weather has pointed to latest weather model runs that suggest the potential for widespread snow from later next week, potentially starting around Friday or Saturday. He indicated this could last for several days, though the exact timing may shift.
Mr Madden reiterated his firm expectations for significant cold and snow from late January into February. He acknowledged that some major third-party models have recently backed away from earlier severe projections but insisted they will "return to somewhere in between" due to earlier atmospheric disturbances and Sudden Stratospheric Warming (SSW) events his team has been monitoring.
"Again, watch this space, but the snow and cold are still coming from within our own projections," he stated, adding there are "very exciting and high-confidence prospects ahead" for cold and snow lovers over the coming weeks.
Met Office Forecasts a 'Battle' Between Air Masses
The Met Office's own outlook for late January describes a looming battle between Atlantic and continental air masses. Initially, milder and wetter Atlantic systems are expected to dominate, bringing cloudy conditions with rain, particularly to western areas, and near-average temperatures.
However, the forecast highlights that later in the period, the chance of colder conditions arriving from the east increases. While this aspect remains uncertain, the Met Office confirms that such a transition "increases the chance of snow across parts of the country."
Residents across the UK are advised to stay updated with the latest forecasts as the situation develops, with the final week of January now firmly in focus for a possible dramatic wintry turn.
