Parts of the Midlands are bracing for a fresh blanket of snow next week, with forecasters predicting accumulations of up to three inches (7.8cm) in some towns. This follows a wintry start to 2026, marking the second consecutive week of disruptive snowfall for the region.
Targeted Snowfall for Shropshire and Welsh Border
Detailed weather modelling from WX Charts indicates the first significant flurries are expected to arrive around midday on Saturday, January 17th. The focus of the heaviest snow will be over parts of Shropshire and areas along the border with Wales.
The town of Oswestry is forecast to bear the brunt, with potential accumulations reaching 7.8cm (3 inches). Just over the border, Wrexham could see around 3.6cm (1.4 inches). Other regions of England, including Durham and North Yorkshire, are also in line for snowfall at a similar time.
Further Flurries and Regional Disparities
The cold spell is set to continue into the start of the working week. Forecasts suggest Oswestry may face another substantial covering at 6am on Monday, January 19th, with a further 7.3cm (2.8 inches) predicted to fall.
However, the weather will be highly localised. While Shropshire prepares for snow, major urban centres like Birmingham and the wider West Midlands are currently expected to remain unscathed by any significant accumulation next week, despite experiencing recent flurries.
Met Office Warns of Wider Winter Hazards
The broader outlook from the Met Office for the period from January 16th to 25th remains unsettled. The national forecaster warns of the potential for various winter hazards across the UK during this time.
Their forecast states the weather will likely stay "changeable and at times unsettled for the UK as a whole." A series of low-pressure systems moving in from the Atlantic are expected to dominate, bringing showers or longer spells of rain to many areas.
Western parts of the country are most likely to see the wettest conditions, but the Met Office cautions that slow-moving weather systems could lead to heavy rain anywhere. They also warn of periods of windy weather.
While temperatures are expected to be near normal overall, the forecast highlights: "the possibility for some colder spells in the north, with the potential for associated winter hazards, and occasional milder interludes further south." Residents across the Midlands and beyond are advised to stay updated with the latest local forecasts as the situation develops.
