Britain is set for a major wintry blast in the days after Christmas, with forecasters predicting a 12-hour snow event that will sweep across a large swathe of the country. New weather maps project a significant drop in temperatures on Friday, December 27, leading to widespread snowfall.
Which Areas Will Be Hit by the Post-Christmas Snow?
According to data from WX Charts, using the GFS model, the snowfall will originate from the east. It is expected to first impact southern and eastern parts of England, with East Anglia highlighted as particularly at risk. The initial flurries are likely to begin around midday on the 27th.
By 3pm, the snow is projected to reach Kent and the wider south-east. Precipitation may turn to sleet along the eastern coastline, but as temperatures continue to fall, proper snowfall is forecast to develop across Greater London, the Home Counties, and the south coast, including Hampshire, by 6pm.
A Widespread Blanket of Snow Across the Nation
The wintry conditions will not be confined to the south. Around the same time, the Midlands—including Birmingham—along with Staffordshire, Greater Manchester, and Lancashire are also predicted to see snow. The system will extend its reach into Northern Ireland and Scotland as well.
By midnight, snow is expected to cover most of Northern Ireland, East Anglia, the Midlands, the south-east, and large parts of northern England, marking a full 12 hours of continuous snowfall. In Scotland, accumulations are anticipated in the Highlands, with potential for snow in Glasgow and areas near the English border.
Full List of Counties at Risk
The 18 English counties identified for potential snow on December 27 are:
- Norfolk
- Suffolk
- Kent
- Essex
- Greater London
- Surrey
- Hampshire
- Staffordshire
- West Midlands
- Cheshire
- Warwickshire
- Worcestershire
- Shropshire
- Derbyshire
- Nottinghamshire
- Leicestershire
- Greater Manchester
- Lancashire
Short-Term Weekend Forecast
Looking to the immediate weekend before Christmas, Jo Farrow from Netweather TV provided an outlook. She indicated a cold front approaching from the Atlantic, which will stall against high pressure over Europe.
"The southerly winds will freshen for Northern Ireland, through the Irish Sea and the west coast of Britain on Saturday morning," Farrow said. She noted frontal rain over northeastern France that might edge into SE England, with some uncertainty.
"There will be outbreaks of heavy rain along the incoming cold front with gusty winds," she added. However, much of Britain should see fine, bright, and dry conditions with lighter winds in the east, and temperatures around 9 to 11C.
Farrow concluded with a note of caution for Saturday evening: "If you are out on Saturday evening, then it will be the cold front rain which will need watching as it could have some sharp downpours in it."
