Weather forecasters have issued a stark warning for Birmingham and the wider UK, predicting further snowfall and a looming 'multi-hazard event' later this week. The Met Office has confirmed that cold conditions will persist, bringing a mix of sleet and snow showers alongside the risk of ice.
Widespread Warnings for Ice and Snow
The national forecaster has stated that sleet and snow showers will continue across Birmingham on Wednesday, January 7. This comes as freezing temperatures maintain their grip on the nation in the first week of the new year.
A yellow weather warning for ice is currently active, covering large parts of the country. The public is advised to expect potential travel disruption and an increased risk of injuries from slips and falls on icy surfaces.
In a broader alert, the Met Office noted that UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) Amber cold weather health alerts are active for all English regions until January 11. Several severe weather warnings remain, with northern Scotland facing further snow and a widespread ice risk across the UK.
Chief Forecaster's Update on Hazardous Conditions
Met Office Chief Forecaster Jason Kelly provided a detailed assessment of the situation. "A further spell of snow is expected to move east across central and northern Scotland today," he said. "Amber warnings are in place until 7pm this evening."
He added that elsewhere, snow showers would be mixed with rain and sleet, making for another very cold day with strengthening winds. "Overnight, cold air pushes back in with temperatures widely dipping below freezing again. This means there is the risk of further ice overnight and a new yellow weather warning for ice covers the majority of the UK until Wednesday morning."
Detailed Birmingham Forecast: From Tonight to Saturday
The Met Office has provided a specific outlook for Birmingham, indicating a volatile few days ahead.
This Evening and Tonight: A band of rain, sleet, and hill snow will move eastwards across the region through the evening, clearing in the early hours. Icy stretches are expected to develop where skies clear later. Temperatures will fall, but not as low as recent nights, with a minimum of -1 °C.
Wednesday: Another cold day is expected, with occasional sunshine. A scattering of sleet and snow showers will tend to ease later. Gusty winds will make it feel particularly chilly, with a maximum temperature of 5 °C.
Outlook for Thursday to Saturday: The situation is set to become more severe. Thursday will start cloudy, with an increasing risk of heavy rain, sleet, and snow developing, accompanied by strong winds. These hazardous conditions may linger into Friday. The cold spell will continue, with sunshine finally returning by Saturday.
The forecaster emphasises that Thursday and Friday present an 'increasing risk' of this multi-hazard combination, which could significantly impact travel and daily life. Residents are urged to stay updated with the latest Met Office warnings and plan their journeys accordingly.
