Weather maps for the UK have turned a deep purple, signalling the imminent arrival of a significant new wall of snow set to hammer parts of the country. Forecasters warn that 17 counties across England are in the firing line for heavy and disruptive snowfall from later this week.
Which Areas Are At Risk?
Data from WX Charts, using Met Desk information, shows the impending snow sweeping across northern regions and the Midlands. The vivid purple, white, and grey shading on the maps is a clear indicator of anticipated heavy snow accumulation.
The counties identified as being at risk include a broad swathe of England. In the Midlands, Staffordshire, Derbyshire, and Nottinghamshire are on alert. Further north and east, the list extends to Lincolnshire, North Lincolnshire, South Yorkshire, North Yorkshire, and East Riding of Yorkshire.
The forecast also includes a dusting for areas in the northwest, such as Greater Manchester, Cheshire East, Cheshire West and Chester, Wrexham, Lancashire, and Westmorland and Furness. In the northeast, County Durham, Tyne and Wear, Cumberland, and Northumberland could also be blanketed.
Forecasters Predict 'Widespread and Lasting' Snow
The significant weather event is earmarked to begin on Friday, January 16. According to James Madden from Exacta Weather, this is not a minor, transient event but the start of a colder, more prolonged period.
Madden stated, "We are now only several days away from something significantly colder and prolonged with 'widespread' and 'lasting' snow events this time around." He expressed high confidence in the forecast, suggesting the severity will be greater than recent brief snowfalls.
"The likely pattern to develop from this will be ‘cold and snowy’ and not ‘cold and dry’", he added, indicating that those bracing for the chill should also prepare for substantial snow.
Preparing for the Winter Onslaught
This predicted snow bomb represents a major shift in the UK's winter weather pattern. Residents in the affected 17 counties are advised to monitor official forecasts from the Met Office and local authorities for updates and travel warnings as the week progresses.
The event underscores the potential for severe winter disruption across a wide area of England, with transport networks and communities likely to be impacted from the Midlands to the northernmost counties.
