Weather forecasting models have issued a stark warning for the Midlands and surrounding regions, predicting an intense 48-hour period of non-stop snowfall. According to the latest data from WX Charts, meteorological maps are displaying significant white and purple hues, which experts indicate are clear precursors to imminent and substantial snow accumulation.
Precise Timing and Duration of the Snow Event
The Global Forecast System (GFS) and the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) modelling systems align in their projections, pinpointing the onset of this wintry blast. Snowfall is expected to commence from midday on February 16, persisting continuously through February 17 and lingering into February 18. This prolonged event suggests a significant weather system settling over the country.
Geographical Impact: Counties and Major Urban Centres at Risk
The forecasted snow will blanket a wide swathe of the UK, with central and northern England, parts of Wales, and areas of Northern Ireland all in the path of the system. National media reports highlight that the snowfall will be particularly concentrated across Birmingham and the broader Midlands region.
Over the three-day period, the counties identified as being at highest risk include:
- Cumbria, Durham, and Northumberland
- Yorkshire and Lancashire
- Greater Manchester, Staffordshire, and Derbyshire
- Nottinghamshire, the West Midlands, Cheshire, and Lincolnshire
Major towns and cities anticipated to receive a substantial covering are extensive, encompassing:
- Northern hubs such as Carlisle, Newcastle, Sunderland, Durham, Ripon, and Lancaster.
- Key urban centres including York, Blackpool, Bradford, Leeds, Wakefield, and Manchester.
- Additional locations set for a dusting: Liverpool, Stoke-on-Trent, Birmingham, Chester, Sheffield, Lincoln, Nottingham, and Derby.
Broader Meteorological Context and Forecast Trends
Analysing the period from February 15 onwards, Netweather TV provides further context. They suggest that weather fronts are likely to push northwards from the North Atlantic. As these systems encounter the colder air mass over Scotland, there is a high potential for significant snowfalls there. For England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, conditions are expected to turn milder at low levels, with precipitation likely falling as rain rather than snow.
The overall temperature trend for the week is forecast to be below the 1991-2020 long-term average. Most regions can expect mean temperatures to be 1 to 2 degrees Celsius lower, with inland parts of Scotland potentially experiencing a more pronounced drop of around 3 degrees Celsius.
Precipitation patterns are also set to shift. The forecast indicates drier than normal conditions for western Scotland, especially the north-west. Conversely, it is predicted to be wetter than average across most of England and Wales, with a focus on southern and eastern England, Northern Ireland, and eastern Scotland.
Sunshine levels will vary regionally. Above-average sunshine is expected in the north and west of Scotland, while south Wales, southern England, and eastern England are likely to see below-normal sunshine hours during this period.
