The United Kingdom is bracing for a significant winter weather event, with forecasters now warning the anticipated 'snow bomb' will arrive sooner than initially feared. The most severe conditions are now expected to strike from Saturday, January 10, 2026, bringing the potential for heavy snowfall and dangerously low temperatures.
Revised Forecast Brings Earlier Snowfall
Initial projections suggested the next major flurries would arrive in mid-January, but the timeline has been brought forward. According to the latest data from WX Charts, snow will begin in the north of England from around 9pm on Thursday, January 8. It will then intensify throughout Friday, January 9, before peaking on Saturday, January 10.
The advanced GFS modelling indicates that some regions, particularly in central Scotland, could see accumulations of more than 60cm (23 inches) of snow. Maps from the Met Desk suggest much of the country will be blanketed, with parts of England potentially seeing up to 20cm.
Dangerous Temperatures and Widespread Impacts
Alongside the heavy snow, a severe cold snap is predicted. Temperatures are forecast to plummet to -14°C in Scotland and -9°C in northern England by midday on Saturday. The Met Office's forecast for the period explains the UK is entering a changeable spell, with Atlantic systems bringing rain, likely preceded by snow, especially in northern and eastern areas.
"Some significant snowfall is possible in places, particularly on northern hills," the forecast states. "These low pressure systems could also bring some strong winds." The warning also notes the potential for frost and wintry showers along coasts exposed to northerly winds.
The impending conditions follow an already cold spell. Weather expert Jo Farrow from Netweather TV reported that overnight temperatures recently fell to -7°C at Bournemouth and Manchester airports, -9°C in Benson, Oxfordshire, and -10.8°C in Shap, Cumbria. She confirmed snow showers are already affecting the Northern Isles and NW Highlands, with some schools in Aberdeenshire, Moray, and the Northern Isles closed due to existing disruptions.
Nationwide Disruption and Travel Warnings
The early arrival of this severe weather system is expected to cause significant disruption. The Met Office indicates that after a cold start, temperatures may trend closer to average in the south, but a drier, colder period could return later. Current conditions show the reach of the cold snap:
- Snow showers moving southwards over the Western Isles and reaching Northern Ireland.
- Western Wales experiencing snow showers with an icy mix along the coast.
- Wintry showers extending as far south as Cornwall.
- A northerly flow bringing snow showers to Grampian, Northumberland, and North Yorkshire.
A band of snow moved over the Midlands and Wales overnight on Sunday, indicating that the severe weather is already making its presence felt across the nation. Residents are advised to prepare for travel disruption, potential school closures, and to take necessary precautions against the extreme cold.
