Fresh meteorological data has prompted a major update to the UK's winter forecast, with the anticipated arrival of a substantial 'snow bomb' being brought forward by a full week. New modelling now indicates the wintry onslaught will commence this week, rather than next, bringing disruptive conditions to a wide swathe of the country.
Revised Forecast Pinpoints Exact Start Time
Advanced weather maps and charts from WX Charts, utilising data from the GFS (Global Forecast System), have revised their predictions. The modelling now shows a significant band of snow is set to hit the United Kingdom on Thursday, February 6th, starting from 9pm. This represents a notable shift from initial projections which had suggested the snowfall would arrive around February 13th.
Extensive List of Counties on Alert
The forecast suggests 28 counties across the UK are at risk of experiencing this winter weather event. In England, the areas highlighted for potential disruption include a broad central and southern belt. Specific counties mentioned are:
- Shropshire
- Herefordshire
- Worcestershire
- Warwickshire
- Gloucestershire
- Leicestershire
- Northamptonshire
- Oxfordshire
- Buckinghamshire
- Bedfordshire
- Hertfordshire
- Cambridgeshire
Temperature Plunge and Regional Variations
Accompanying the snowfall will be a marked drop in temperatures. The coldest conditions are expected in central Scotland, encompassing areas like the Grampians, Aberdeen, and Inverness, where thermometers are forecast to dip to between 0°C and -3°C.
Other regions will also feel a significant chill:
- Northern Scotland, Southern Scotland, Northern England, the Midlands, East Anglia, and Wales: Temperatures ranging from 0°C to 3°C.
- Southern England and Northern Ireland: Slightly milder, but still cold, with temperatures between 2°C and 7°C.
Met Office Short-Term Outlook
The Met Office's forecast for the immediate period leading up to this event paints a picture of unsettled conditions. Their short-term assessment explains the UK will remain "cloudy and windy with outbreaks of rain for many, turning heavy at times".
Further detail for Tuesday, February 2nd, indicates "further hill snow in northeast Scotland, and to lower levels in the Northern Isles. Feeling cold." The outlook from Wednesday to Friday, February 3rd to 5th, suggests the pattern will continue, with "showers or longer spells of heavy rain affecting most areas, coupled with brisk winds at times."
Residents across the identified counties are advised to stay updated with the latest weather warnings from official sources and to prepare for potential travel disruption and cold conditions as this revised winter weather system approaches.
