Schools across Birmingham and the Midlands are preparing for potential further disruption on Wednesday as the UK braces for the arrival of Storm Goretti, promising extended icy chaos.
Widespread Disruption Across the Nation
The warning comes after a highly disruptive Tuesday, January 6, 2026, which saw more than 1,000 schools shut their doors across the United Kingdom. The closures were triggered by heavy snowfall, treacherous icy conditions, and the coldest night of the winter. Temperatures plummeted to a bone-chilling -12.5°C in some regions.
The breakdown of Tuesday's closures highlights the scale of the disruption:
- Wales: Over 380 schools closed.
- Scotland: At least 300 closures.
- Northern Ireland: 203 schools shut.
- England: More than 230 closures.
The severe conditions were so persistent in Aberdeenshire that the local council declared a major incident, citing risks of power cuts.
Met Office Warnings and Storm Goretti's Path
The Met Office has issued a yellow ice warning for most of the country on Wednesday, encompassing Birmingham. A separate snow warning is also active for the region, with both warnings extending to more parts of England and Wales on Thursday and Friday.
Forecasters warn that temperatures will remain well below the seasonal average, with icy stretches, wintry showers, and difficult travel conditions likely to persist. The situation is set to escalate with the approach of Storm Goretti, named by French forecasters.
The storm is predicted to move across the southern UK from Thursday into Friday, creating what the Met Office terms a 'multi-hazard' event. This system is expected to bring snow to the northern flank of the low pressure, and wind and rain to the southern flank.
"We have therefore issued a yellow warning for snow for parts of England and Wales, where heavy snow could lead to disruption and difficult travelling conditions," a forecaster stated. "Strong winds associated with Storm Goretti may also lead to some disruption." A separate yellow wind warning has been issued for southwest England.
What to Expect and How to Check
Current predictions suggest between 5-10cm of snowfall could blanket large areas, with up to 20cm on high ground in Wales. Accompanying winds could reach speeds of up to 70mph, posing significant safety risks.
The Met Office has cautioned that the exact track of Storm Goretti remains uncertain, meaning warnings "are likely to be amended – and potentially escalated – over the coming days." They urge the public to stay updated with the latest forecasts.
For parents in Birmingham and the wider Midlands concerned about Wednesday's arrangements, the government provides a dedicated online service. To check the status of your child's school, visit the official government site and search using your postcode.
