Massive 388-Mile Snow Wall Forecast to Sweep Across England
Fresh weather data has revealed that a colossal 388-mile mass of snow is predicted to blanket large swathes of England next week, bringing a renewed winter barrage in the wake of Storm Goretti. According to the latest projections from WXCharts, this significant wintry event is expected to commence in the South West of England and parts of Wales from 6:00 am on Tuesday, 27 January 2026.
Widespread Snowfall Expected Across Dozens of Counties
The snow is anticipated to move rapidly eastwards, covering nearly every county in England as it progresses. By midday on Tuesday, the West Midlands region is forecast to be under a heavy blanket of snow, with flurries predicted to persist for a total of 18 hours until 6:00 am on Wednesday, 28 January. Specific towns and cities in the Midlands, including Birmingham, Wolverhampton, Coventry, and Stoke-on-Trent, have been earmarked for significant snowfall. Some projections indicate that Birmingham could experience snow depths of up to 13cm, approximately 5 inches, during the peak of the front.
Two Southern Counties May Avoid the Worst
Despite the widespread nature of the forecast, colour-coded weather charts currently suggest that two southern counties—Cornwall and Hampshire—are likely to escape a significant covering. This potential reprieve offers a stark contrast to the heavy snowfall expected elsewhere, highlighting the variable impact of the incoming weather system across different regions.
Met Office Confirms Colder Conditions Ahead
The Met Office has corroborated the likelihood of colder weather in its long-range forecast for 25 January to 3 February. Conditions are expected to turn "somewhat colder" as weather systems from the Atlantic stall against high pressure to the north and northeast. This meteorological setup increases the risk of snow showers, particularly over high ground in northern England and Scotland. Met Office deputy chief forecaster Steven Keates noted that while a shift to colder air is increasingly probable, some uncertainty remains between different weather models. However, the majority of indicators point towards below-average temperatures arriving from the east as January concludes.
Potential for Gale-Force Winds and Travel Disruption
In addition to the snow, some weather maps suggest that a powerful Atlantic storm could bring gale-force winds alongside the wintry conditions on Tuesday. Coastal areas may face gusts of up to 90mph, exacerbating the potential for disruption. Residents are being urged to prepare for significant travel challenges, as airlines and train operators have warned that the combination of heavy snow and freezing temperatures could lead to fresh delays and cancellations starting from early Tuesday morning.
Context Following Recent Cold Weather Payments
This upcoming cold snap follows a particularly frigid week where temperatures plummeted to -12.3°C, triggering Cold Weather Payments for 802 postcodes. These automatic £25 bonuses are still being processed for eligible households that experienced seven consecutive days of sub-zero temperatures, underscoring the ongoing impact of winter weather on communities across the country.
