Britain is on alert for a potentially disruptive 'snow bomb' set to strike later this month, with advanced weather maps predicting a colossal blizzard that could bury much of the country.
Snow Maps Turn White Across the Nation
Projections from WX Charts indicate a massive weather system will sweep across the UK on January 29. The maps show a staggering 450-mile-wide band of snow turning vast swathes of the nation white.
Coverage is expected to be extensive, with an estimated 90 per cent of the UK affected. Only parts of the south-west, some areas of Wales, and sections of Northern Ireland are likely to be spared the worst of the snowfall.
Forecast Depths and Regional Impacts
The snow is predicted to be deepest in the Scottish Highlands, where accumulations could reach 19 inches (48cm). Other regions are also set for significant blankets of snow.
- Northern and central England: Up to 5 inches (12cm).
- North Wales: Around 6 inches (15cm).
- Parts of southern England: Approximately 3 inches (7cm).
Meteorological 'War' of Air Masses
Expert analysis points to a complex battleground setting up in the atmosphere. Nick Finnis from Netweather TV explained the situation, stating that cold air from the east is increasingly likely to clash with milder, low-pressure systems pushing in from the Atlantic.
"We may see another push of the battleground between cold from the east and mild air from the west," Finnis said. "This could bring a snow event... a proper war of competing airmasses next week."
He noted that the cold, dense air spreading from Northwest Russia and Northeast Europe might gain the upper hand this time. However, he cautioned that a powerful jet stream is driving a succession of Atlantic lows towards western Europe, creating significant uncertainty about how long the cold spell will last.
"The balance of power is still yet to be decided!" Finnis concluded, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the forecast for the end of January.
