The United Kingdom is preparing for another bout of wintry weather, with fresh snow forecast to sweep across parts of Scotland and Northern Ireland later this week. This comes just days after Storm Goretti caused significant travel chaos, particularly in Birmingham, signalling further potential disruption for the Home Nations.
Where and When Will the Snow Hit?
According to detailed maps from WX Charts, which utilise the advanced GFS modelling system, a band of snow is predicted to move across much of the Scottish Highlands. This Thursday, 15 January 2026, up to 12 counties across Scotland could see accumulations, with the snowfall stretching from Inverness down to Ayrshire.
Across the Irish Sea, County Antrim and County Down in Northern Ireland are also in line to be hit by the wintry flurries. The snow is expected to begin on Thursday and persist into Friday, 16 January, leading to possible snow depths and accumulations, especially in areas north of the border.
Met Office Forecast and Flood Warnings
The Met Office's outlook for late January suggests the UK's weather will remain changeable. A spokesperson indicated that low-pressure systems from the Atlantic will dominate, bringing showers or longer spells of rain to many regions, with western areas likely to see the wettest conditions. The forecast also notes the potential for colder spells in the north and east, bringing associated winter hazards.
Authorities have issued concurrent warnings about the risk of flooding as the new system approaches. David Morgan, Sepa's flood duty manager, emphasised the danger posed by the combination of continuing heavy rain and melting snow from last week's fall. He stated: "Continuing heavy rain, combined with melting snow, increases the risk of flooding."
Areas at greatest risk include Dumfries and Galloway and the west and north of Scotland. Possible impacts highlighted by Sepa include:
- Flooding affecting parts of communities and low-lying land.
- Disruption to transport infrastructure.
- Flooding of individual properties.
Morgan added a stark warning for motorists: "Driving conditions will be very difficult at times."
Preparing for Further Disruption
This new weather front threatens to compound the problems caused by Storm Goretti, which disrupted travel across central England last week. Residents in the affected regions of Scotland and Northern Ireland are advised to monitor the latest weather forecasts and travel updates. The key advice for the coming days includes:
- Check local weather and flood alerts regularly.
- Allow extra time for journeys and consider if travel is essential.
- Be prepared for potential road closures and public transport delays.
As the UK transitions from a milder Monday back into wintery conditions, the focus for the remainder of the week will be on resilience and preparedness in the face of further potential snow and flood-related disruption.
