The Met Office has issued an extended yellow weather warning for snow and ice, with significant snowfall expected to hit Birmingham and the wider West Midlands region later this week.
Warning in force from Thursday evening
The national forecaster has confirmed the warning will be active from 6pm on Thursday, 8th January, until noon on Friday, 9th January 2026. The alert zone covers a large swathe of central England and Wales, placing Birmingham directly in its path.
Meteorologists are predicting a deep area of low pressure will track across southern parts of the UK during this period, bringing a disruptive mix of rain, snow, and strong winds. This follows a cold snap that has already seen wintry conditions blanket much of the region in the opening days of the new year.
Potential for significant disruption
In the most affected locations, particularly over higher ground, accumulations of 5 to 10 centimetres are widely expected. There is a potential for up to 20 centimetres (8 inches) of snow to settle in some spots.
The Met Office forecast states: "A spell of heavy snow is likely to develop over higher ground in south Wales later on Thursday before rain turns to snow more widely over parts of England and Wales during Thursday night." The warning also highlights that strong winds may lead to drifting snow, exacerbating travel difficulties.
System linked to named storm
The incoming weather system is associated with Storm Goretti, which was named by Meteo France. The strongest winds from this storm are anticipated over northern France, but its influence will drive the unsettled conditions across the English Channel.
All precipitation is expected to clear eastwards by the end of Friday. Residents across the West Midlands are advised to prepare for potential travel disruption, check forecasts regularly, and follow the latest advice from local authorities and transport providers during the warning period.
