Fresh weather modelling indicates that a significant wintry outbreak is on course to sweep across England later this month, with only a handful of counties expected to avoid the snow.
Widespread Snow Forecast for Late January
According to the latest data from WX Charts, which uses information from the Met Desk, a vast area of snow is predicted to blanket the country on January 27, 2026. The advanced charts show a 'blanket of white' spreading across England, with the south and west of the country expected to be most heavily affected.
However, the modelling suggests that just five counties will be spared from the worst of the conditions. These are primarily located along the south coast and in the southwest: Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Somerset, and West Sussex.
Met Office Outlook for Cold End to the Month
The Met Office's own longer-range forecast aligns with the potential for colder conditions. For the period initially covering the end of January, they state that weather patterns are likely to evolve slowly, with low pressure to the west or southwest and high pressure to the northeast.
This specific setup, the forecast explains, "brings an increased chance of cold conditions affecting parts of the UK, and the associated risk of wintry hazards at times." Looking ahead from January 29 onwards, the cold theme is expected to persist, with a possible transition to more unsettled but milder conditions deeper into February.
Expert Analysis on a Colder January
BBC forecaster Chris Fawkes provided further context, noting that the prevailing weather pattern for the rest of the month will feature low pressure to the west and high pressure to the north-east. This is likely to bring wet conditions to southern and western areas, with a continued risk of localised flooding.
Fawkes also highlighted the threat of colder air incursions. "The weather will often be rather cloudy and there could be some colder incursions of air getting into the north-east of the UK threatening some snow," he said. Combined with the cold snap seen at the start of January, this means January 2026 may turn out to be a colder month than average, a phenomenon becoming less common as the climate warms.
Residents across the majority of England are advised to stay updated with the latest forecasts as the potential snow event approaches.
