The West Midlands is preparing for a potentially treacherous start to the working week as a fresh band of snow is forecast to sweep across the region. The Met Office has issued an expanded yellow weather warning for snow and ice, raising the prospect of significant travel disruption for Monday morning's commute.
Warning Expanded and Timing Details
The alert, which now covers Birmingham and the Black Country, came into effect at 3pm on Sunday, 4 January 2026 and is scheduled to remain until noon on Monday. Forecasters predict the snow will first arrive in north Wales from around 4pm on Sunday before the system pushes eastwards.
Flurries are expected to reach Stoke-on-Trent by approximately 7pm, with Birmingham and surrounding areas likely to see snowfall around a similar time. While coastal areas may experience rain and sleet, inland showers are predicted to fall predominantly as snow.
Expected Accumulations and Travel Impact
Met Office experts have warned that while not every location will be affected, many places could see 1-3 cm of snow accumulate by Monday morning. There is also potential for more substantial build-ups of 5-8 cm in a few spots, particularly across inland and higher parts of Wales within the warning area.
The combination of fresh snowfall and sub-zero temperatures is expected to lead to widespread icy stretches on roads and pavements. This poses a serious risk of travel chaos as thousands of people set out for their first commute of the new year, with conditions likely to be most hazardous during the Monday morning rush hour.
Advice for Residents and Commuters
Authorities are urging residents across the West Midlands to exercise caution and plan ahead. The warning follows several days of wintry weather in the region, meaning the new snowfall will compound existing tricky conditions.
Commuters are advised to:
- Allow extra time for journeys on Monday morning.
- Check the latest travel updates and road conditions before setting out.
- Be prepared for possible delays or cancellations to public transport services.
- Take extreme care when walking or driving on untreated surfaces.
The situation continues to be monitored, and further updates from the Met Office are expected as the weather system develops.
