A major winter weather system, dubbed a 'snow bomb', is set to trigger a rare and dangerous phenomenon known as freezing rain across parts of England this weekend. Forecasters have pinpointed the exact hour the hazardous event is expected to begin.
Exact Timing and Location of the Hazard
According to the GFS weather model, the freezing rain will develop in northern parts of England at around 6pm on Saturday, January 10. The areas most likely to be affected include regions around the Peak District, Greater Manchester, and parts of Yorkshire.
The Met Office defines freezing rain as a rare type of liquid precipitation that strikes a cold surface and freezes almost instantly. They emphasise that the conditions required for this event are highly specific, making it an uncommon occurrence in the UK. This instant freezing creates a clear, glossy layer of ice on any surface it touches, from roads and pavements to power lines and aircraft wings.
Why This Phenomenon is So Hazardous
The Met Office has issued a stark warning, stating that freezing rain can prove extremely hazardous for aircraft. The rapid ice accumulation can severely disrupt aviation by affecting the aerodynamics of planes and leading to ground handling issues. For road users and pedestrians, it presents an equally severe risk, creating near-invisible sheets of ice that are exceptionally treacherous.
The broader forecast from the national weather service outlines a volatile period. For Thursday, January 8, it predicts bright spells in the north but with showers, turning wet and windy further south with snow, especially on hills. Coastal gales are also expected to develop.
Extended Outlook: From Storm Goretti to Milder Air
Looking ahead from Friday to Sunday (January 9-11), the Met Office indicates that wind, rain, and snow associated with Storm Goretti will clear eastwards on Friday. Saturday is expected to be mostly fine with frost early and late, before the freezing rain threat emerges in the evening.
Further wet and windy weather, with some snow, is forecast to arrive on Sunday. From January 11, a significant shift is anticipated. Milder air is expected to start arriving from the west during Sunday alongside a band of rain. The speed of this band's movement will be critical; if it meets lingering cold air, it could lead to another spell of snow across northern and eastern areas.
The following week is most likely to see a transition to milder, though unsettled, conditions with showers or longer spells of rain for all areas. However, the forecast notes that very cold air will remain close to the east of the UK, with a small chance of it returning later in the period.
