New meteorological data indicates that a substantial winter weather system, colloquially termed a 'snow bomb', is poised to impact a significant portion of the United Kingdom in early February. Detailed maps and analytical charts from WX Charts, which utilise Met Desk data, forecast a dramatic plunge in temperatures alongside heavy snowfall, potentially affecting around half of England.
Forecast Details and Temperature Plunge
The data suggests the wintry conditions will establish from February 8th onwards. A core feature of this forecast is the prediction of temperatures plummeting to as low as -12 degrees Celsius at times. This cold air is expected to interact with weather systems, leading to significant snow accumulations across numerous regions.
Regional Impact: Scotland and Northern England
As is often the case during severe UK winter events, Scotland is projected to bear the brunt of the conditions. Forecast models indicate the potential for snow depths reaching a staggering one metre (approximately 39 inches) in parts of the Scottish Highlands, with the Cairngorms specifically noted for accumulations around 38 inches. Major population centres including Inverness, Aberdeen, Dundee, Glasgow, Stirling, and Perth are all within the risk zone for severe weather.
However, the forecast extends its warning well south of the Scottish border. The data indicates that areas of England north of Birmingham are at considerable risk. This encompasses a broad swathe of the country, potentially affecting fifteen counties.
List of English Counties on Alert
The areas identified as being at risk include a wide range of northern and midland counties. The full list comprises:
- Greater Manchester
- Lancashire
- Cheshire
- Staffordshire
- Cumbria
- Yorkshire
- Nottinghamshire
- Derbyshire
- Leicestershire
- Northumberland
- Warwickshire
- Shropshire
- Worcestershire
- The West Midlands metropolitan county
Meteorological Context from the Met Office
The broader weather pattern leading into this period is explained by the UK Met Office in its forecast for late January to early February. It describes a scenario where weather systems from the Atlantic will attempt to move eastwards but are likely to stall near the UK due to high pressure to the north and northeast.
This setup creates a battleground between milder, moist air from the southwest and entrenched cold air to the northeast. The Met Office notes: "Whilst mild conditions are expected to encroach into the south and southwest at times, cold air is likely to be positioned to the northeast, bringing wintry showers at times."
The critical risk arises where these fronts of milder air meet the cold air. The forecast continues: "Where fronts from the south west do reach the cold air towards the north east, there is the risk of some snow, most likely across hills, but perhaps extending to lower areas at times." This interaction is the primary mechanism forecast to deliver the significant snow potential highlighted by the WX Charts data for the following week.
Residents across the identified regions, particularly in northern England and Scotland, are advised to monitor official forecasts from the Met Office closely as the potential event approaches, and to consider any necessary preparations for severe winter weather.
