The Met Office has issued a detailed timeline for significant snowfall expected to hit Birmingham, with warnings that up to 30 centimetres (11 inches) could accumulate. The forecasting body has pinpointed the exact hours the flurries will begin and end, prompting alerts for residents and travel services.
Exact Snow Start and End Times for Birmingham
According to the Met Office's hour-by-hour forecast, the first snow flurries are scheduled to start across Birmingham at 5pm on Thursday, 8th January 2026. The initial snowfall will continue throughout Thursday evening before intensifying significantly around midnight.
The period of steady snowfall is then predicted to subside at approximately 4am on Friday, 9th January. However, the respite will be brief, as the white stuff is expected to be replaced by heavy rain from 5am on Friday.
Wider Forecast and Potential Disruption
The outlook for the latter part of January remains uncertain. The Met Office indicates a marginally favoured southwesterly regime, which would bring changeable conditions with spells of wet, windy, and mild weather, including potential for very strong winds.
However, forecasters also note a chance that drier, colder conditions could extend from the east or northeast, bringing with it a continued risk of further snow.
Disruption has already begun in other parts of the UK. National Rail has warned that heavy snow is causing cancellations, alterations, and delays to services across northern Scotland, advising customers to expect significant travel impacts.
Forecast Complexity and Regional Risks
BBC Weather presenter Simon King explained the complexity of the current forecast. He noted that so-called "weather bombs" can be unpredictable as they develop rapidly. The situation is further complicated by the presence of cold Arctic air across the UK.
"We get a battle where mild air - and rain - hits the cold air turning the rain to snow for some," King stated. While mid and east Wales, the Midlands, and parts of northern England are most at risk of significant snow, he cautioned that local details remain tricky to pin down, depending on whether the cold air or the milder, wetter system wins out.
Residents in Birmingham and the wider West Midlands are advised to prepare for potentially hazardous travel conditions from Thursday evening into Friday morning and to monitor the latest forecasts and travel advice.
