The United Kingdom is preparing for another wintry onslaught, with fresh snowfall predicted to blanket parts of the country in the coming days. This follows a freezing start to 2026 that already left significant snow cover across many regions.
Weather Maps Pinpoint Snowfall Hotspots
According to the latest forecast data from WXCharts, 15 counties across Scotland and Northern Ireland are set to be impacted by the new wave of wintry weather. The maps indicate that snow will continue to lie across much of the Scottish Highlands, with further accumulation expected.
This Thursday, 12 counties in Scotland are forecast to see snow, ranging from Inverness-shire in the north to Ayrshire in the southwest. The list includes Aberdeenshire, Banffshire, Clackmannanshire, Dunbartonshire, Lanarkshire, Nairnshire, Perthshire, Renfrewshire, and Stirlingshire.
While much of the snowfall is predicted to be light—a delicate dusting of around 1mm per hour or less—heavier conditions are anticipated for areas including Midlothian and West Lothian.
Northern Ireland and Wider Impacts
The wintry conditions are not confined to Scotland. Weather maps suggest that County Antrim and County Down in Northern Ireland could also experience snowfall this week.
This fresh bout of snow is expected to be followed by blustery showers on Friday, with temperatures turning milder in the south of the UK. However, the shift brings its own dangers.
Flooding Risk from Rapid Thaw and Rain
The Met Office has issued a significant warning that the combination of heavy rain and melting snow and ice could lead to flooding in some areas. This comes in the wake of Storm Goretti, which recently brought gusts of up to 100mph and a rare red weather warning for dangerous winds to the South West.
As temperatures rise again, the national forecaster cautions that a rapid thaw across northern parts of the UK, coupled with further rainfall, creates a heightened risk of localised flooding. Residents in affected areas are advised to stay updated with the latest warnings.
The full list of counties potentially affected by snow this week is:
- Scotland: Aberdeenshire, Ayrshire, Banffshire, Clackmannanshire, Dunbartonshire, Inverness-shire, Lanarkshire, Midlothian, Nairnshire, Perthshire, Renfrewshire, Stirlingshire, West Lothian.
- Northern Ireland: County Antrim, County Down.
