The United Kingdom is bracing for a widespread and significant snowfall later this month, with forecast maps indicating that almost every county in England will be affected. A potent Arctic blast is predicted to sweep across the nation, bringing a 'snow bomb' that will leave only two regions untouched.
Widespread Snow Forecast for Late January
According to data from WX Charts, the cold snap is expected to arrive around Friday, January 27, 2026, and persist into Saturday, January 28. The system is forecast to deliver substantial accumulations from the north of Scotland right down to the south coast of England.
Maps suggest that by 6am on January 28, several inches of snow could cover the ground across vast swathes of the country. The North East, including Newcastle, is reportedly preparing for potential depths of up to 77 centimetres. London and the surrounding Home Counties are also in line for a notable covering, disrupting travel in the capital.
The Lone Exceptions: Devon and Cornwall
In a remarkable exception, the latest meteorological models indicate that only two English counties are set to avoid the whiteout: Devon and Cornwall. While the rest of the nation shivers under a blanket of snow, the far south-western tip is currently projected to remain clear of the heaviest falls from this particular weather system.
The Met Office's longer-range outlook for the period beginning January 30 supports the potential for ongoing cold conditions. Their forecast states that weather patterns are likely to evolve slowly, with low pressure often situated to the west or southwest and high pressure to the northeast.
"This configuration brings an increased chance of cold conditions affecting the UK, and the associated risk of wintry hazards at times," the Met Office explains. It adds that deeper into February, conditions may become more unsettled with temperatures recovering closer to the average, though confidence at that range remains low.
Current UK Weather Conditions
In the nearer term, the BBC's forecast for today, Friday, January 16, describes a mostly cloudy and chilly morning with areas of fog lifting. Showers are expected in the north and west, with western areas staying breezy into the afternoon. Eastern parts should see drier conditions with sunny spells.
Tonight will be mostly cloudy with showery rain moving northwards across England, Wales, and into southern Scotland. Clearer spells are expected in northern Scotland, while Northern Ireland will see showers in the east.
Looking ahead to Saturday, January 17, a cloudy start is forecast with outbreaks of showery rain moving across eastern Scotland in the morning. It should be mainly dry with sunshine elsewhere, though western areas will continue to see some scattered showers.
Residents across most of England are now advised to monitor the evolving forecasts closely and prepare for potential travel disruption, school closures, and cold weather impacts as the significant Arctic blast approaches at the end of the month.
