The United Kingdom is preparing for another severe bout of wintry weather, with forecasters predicting a significant snowstorm bringing up to 40cm of snow and temperatures plunging to a bitter -14°C next week.
Met Office Issues Fresh Warnings for Chaotic Start to 2026
The new year has begun in a state of meteorological chaos, prompting the Met Office to issue a series of yellow and amber snow warnings for Monday, January 5, and Tuesday, January 6. However, the disruptive conditions are far from over. Fresh data indicates an even more intense period of snow and ice is on the horizon for mid-January.
According to WX Charts, a powerful system will sweep flurries of snow across the nation by 12 noon on Sunday, January 18. The most extreme conditions are expected in Scotland, where thermometers could plummet to a staggering -14°C. In England, temperatures will range from a chilly -7°C to 3°C.
Up to 40cm of Snow Forecast for Scotland
The snowfall is predicted to be heavy and widespread. While many parts of Scotland are expected to see around 10cm of snow cover, the GFS modelling system suggests accumulations could reach a disruptive 40cm in the worst-affected areas.
Netweather forecaster Nick Finnis provided detailed analysis of the evolving situation. "The cold spell looks set to continue over the next few days," he stated. "If you haven’t seen any snow yet, you may see some flakes over the next few days, though any further significant snowfall will tend to be confined to northern Scotland, N. Ireland, and western & eastern coastal areas."
Uncertainty Over Potentially Disruptive Low Pressure System
Mr Finnis explained that a change in wind direction is expected from Tuesday, which will cut off the direct Arctic flow and replace it with a slightly less cold northwesterly. However, this shift will also allow a new weather pattern to develop.
"The blocking high pressure to the west and northwest weakens and sinks south to allow low pressure to drop southeast from Greenland towards the North Sea by mid-week," he said. This will bring cloudier conditions with outbreaks of rain, sleet, and hill snow spreading southeast across all areas on Tuesday and Wednesday.
The forecaster highlighted significant uncertainty later in the week, noting the potential for a low-pressure system to deepen in the southwest approaches and cross the UK. "A spell of wet and windy weather looks possible late Thursday and into Friday, perhaps with snow on the northern edge of the low, so potential for some disruptive weather," Mr Finnis concluded.
Residents across the UK are advised to stay updated with the latest Met Office warnings and prepare for possible travel disruption, school closures, and the impacts of severe cold on health and infrastructure as 2026 continues its frosty commencement.
