The Met Office has officially confirmed the trajectory of a substantial snow storm set to sweep across the West Midlands, with Birmingham directly in its path. Residents are being urged to prepare for disruptive wintry conditions.
Timings and Trajectory of the Incoming Snow
A major band of snow is forecast to barrel its way south-eastwards across the country during the early hours of Friday, 2nd January 2026. The system is expected to originate from the Manchester and North Wales region before pushing down into the Midlands.
Weather experts predict the snow will move over the Black Country and Birmingham, continuing its journey south towards London. The entire event for any single location is likely to be relatively brief, lasting approximately two to three hours.
What to Expect in Birmingham and the West Midlands
Current projections indicate the first flurries could reach areas in the north Midlands, such as Stoke-on-Trent, around 2am on Friday. For Birmingham itself, the onset of snowfall is anticipated from approximately 3am.
Where snow settles, accumulations of 1 to 2 centimetres are likely for many areas. However, the Met Office notes that some spots, particularly on higher ground in north-west England, north Wales, and potentially the north-west Midlands, could see as much as 5cm.
"By the time most people are waking up, the snow is likely to have passed, leaving clear skies behind," forecasters stated. Despite this, the yellow weather warning for snow and ice remains active for the entire region throughout Friday.
Risks of Ice and Travel Disruption
The Met Office has highlighted a significant secondary hazard. "Some ice may form as a result of precipitation falling onto frozen surfaces," a spokesperson warned. "Icy patches will also develop quickly as the sleet and snow clears."
This combination of snow followed by ice poses a risk for early morning travellers and pedestrians. The yellow warning serves as an alert for potential travel delays, possible disruption to public transport, and slippery conditions on untreated roads and pavements.
Authorities advise residents to check the latest forecasts and travel updates before setting out on Friday morning, and to take extra care on footpaths and roads that may not have been gritted.
