Britain is braced for another significant snow blast just days after severe wintry weather batters the country at the start of next week. Forecast maps have pinpointed the exact date for the next major snowfall, with a substantial snow bomb poised to strike.
Major Snow Event Expected on January 14
According to data from WX Charts, large patches of white indicating heavy snow will develop across the UK on Wednesday, January 14. The system is forecast to be substantial, stretching an immense 349 miles from the Scottish Highlands down to Yorkshire around midnight.
Vast swathes of the country look set to be affected. Areas from the Midlands, including Birmingham, through to the North West of England are expected to be directly in the firing line. Other counties identified as being at significant risk include Greater Manchester, Lancashire, Cheshire, and Staffordshire.
Plunging Temperatures and Extended Forecast
The cold snap will intensify further into the week. On Thursday, January 15 at midnight, temperatures are predicted to plummet, with lows of -5°C in parts of Scotland and -3°C in Cumbria in England.
The Met Office's broader outlook from January 9 onwards warns of a changeable period. Their forecast states: "Atlantic frontal systems will occasionally affect the UK, bringing spells of rain, likely preceded by snow in some areas, more especially central, northern and eastern parts."
It adds: "Some significant snowfall is possible in places, particularly on northern hills. These low pressure systems could also bring some strong winds." The forecast indicates these wet and windy spells will be interspersed with drier, colder interludes bringing widespread frost and wintry coastal showers.
Long-Term Outlook Remains Uncertain
While temperatures may trend closer to average later in January, especially in the south, reducing the frequency of wintry hazards there, the Met Office suggests it may briefly turn widely drier and colder again towards the end of the period.
Looking further ahead into late January and early February, the forecast becomes very uncertain. The most likely scenario is a broadly changeable westerly regime, bringing spells of mild, wet, and windy weather mixed with colder, drier periods featuring frost and fog. However, the Met Office notes there is "a hint that this period may start off largely dry and cold though."
The chance of snow and ice remains possible, particularly across central and northern parts of the UK, although the probability is generally assessed as lower than earlier in the month.
