The United Kingdom is preparing for a severe winter onslaught, with forecasters warning of a 450-mile 'snow bomb' set to batter the country in early January. New data indicates multiple Home Nations will be hit by heavy flurries, accompanied by plummeting temperatures as low as -11 degrees Celsius.
Maps Reveal Widespread Snowfall and Extreme Cold
According to the latest charts and maps from WX Charts, significant snowfall is predicted for large parts of the UK on Wednesday, January 2. The system is expected to approach from the east, with visualisations showing a stark mixture of white, grey, light blue, and purple—colours that indicate impending snow.
Depth charts suggest accumulations are likely in parts of both England and Scotland. While England could see lows of -3C, Scotland faces a far more severe freeze, with temperatures potentially dropping to a staggering -11C. This forecast is based on the advanced GFS model utilised by Met Desk data.
Predicted Impact and Snowfall Rates
Data indicates that snow could settle to depths of up to six inches (approximately 15cm) in some regions. The snowfall intensity is forecast to be particularly heavy in central and eastern areas.
Snowfall rates in excess of 10mm per hour are possible in cities including Dundee, Glasgow, and Newcastle. Much of Scotland and northern England is likely to be affected by the disruptive conditions.
Short-Term Outlook Ahead of Christmas
In the immediate term, leading up to the Christmas period, the weather is expected to be more settled. A Netweather TV forecast explains that high pressure will dominate this week.
"Highest pressure looks likely to be to the north of Britain early in the week, bringing a generally easterly flow," the forecast states. "Because continental Europe will be mild for the time of year, temperatures will be near or slightly above the seasonal norm."
It will tend to be cloudy for much of the country with some light, showery rain, especially in the east. Sheltered western areas, particularly in western Scotland, can expect some sunny periods and colder nights with a risk of frost.
As the week progresses, the high pressure will extend across more of the country. This will result in more areas, especially in the west, experiencing sunny spells by day and some frost and patchy fog at night.
However, a generally north-easterly flow is likely to maintain predominantly cloudy weather in eastern Britain, especially eastern England, with some showery light rain or drizzle near eastern coasts at times.
The sharp contrast between this calm pre-Christmas spell and the severe January snow bomb highlights a volatile shift in the UK's winter weather pattern, prompting authorities and the public to prepare for significant disruption in the new year.
