Britain is bracing for a significant cold snap in the new year, with weather maps indicating a widespread snow event set to hit from January 7. Following a mild and wet December, a dramatic shift in conditions will see temperatures plummet, potentially reaching as low as -4°C in parts of Scotland.
Which Areas Are Set For Snow?
According to data from WX Charts and the Met Desk, all four Home Nations are expected to see wintry conditions. The initial brunt of the snowfall is forecast for northern England, specifically targeting the North East.
Counties on high alert in England include:
- Cumbria
- Northumberland
- Durham
- Yorkshire
As the week progresses, the snow is predicted to shift further south, putting regions like Gloucestershire and the Midlands at risk. Southern counties such as Berkshire, Oxfordshire, and Hampshire could also experience flurries.
Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland in the Firing Line
The coldest temperatures are expected north of the border. Scotland could shiver in lows of -4°C, with snow forecast for a long list of areas including Highland, Argyll and Bute, Stirling, Perth and Kinross. Both North and South Ayrshire, alongside South Lanarkshire, East Ayrshire, and Inverclyde are also in line for a dusting.
In Northern Ireland, the advanced GFS model forecasts accumulations in counties such as Antrim, Armagh, Londonderry and Tyrone. Meanwhile, parts of North Wales are also expected to see snow at times during this cold spell.
What Are The Forecasters Saying?
BBC lead weather presenter Ben Rich explained the changing pattern. He stated that while December has been mild, high pressure over Scandinavia is now set to bring a change. "This will drift across the northern half of the UK over the next couple of days and along with low pressure to the south, will bring a feed of chilly easterly winds," he said.
The Met Office outlook for the start of 2026 suggests settled and mainly dry conditions for many, but notes a small chance of more unsettled, wetter weather in the north. Their forecast for early January indicates temperatures will be close to or slightly below normal.
Specialist forecaster Netweather TV highlighted the potential for significant wintry weather between January 5 and January 11. They pointed to a likelihood of northerly winds originating from the Arctic, but cautioned that it remains uncertain whether these will make a direct hit on the British Isles or be deflected eastwards. "Either way, it is forecast to be on the cold side," their analysis concludes, suggesting a drier than normal period for western counties before a potential return to milder air later in the month.
