The United Kingdom is preparing for a significant wintry onslaught, with new weather data indicating that up to 90 counties could be blanketed by snow, with depths potentially reaching a staggering 72 centimetres in some areas.
Widespread Snow Forecast to Sweep the Nation
Fresh analysis from forecasters at WXCharts paints a stark picture for the end of January. Their maps suggest that a major snow event will intensify on Saturday, January 31, before sweeping southwards in the early hours of Sunday, February 1. The system is predicted to engulf almost the entire country, leaving only two counties—Hampshire and Cornwall—untouched by the whiteout according to the current models.
Scotland is expected to bear the brunt of the snowfall. The Cairngorms National Park could see an accumulation of up to 72cm at the height of the weather front. Major Scottish cities will also be severely affected, with Aberdeen and Dundee forecast to receive more than a foot of snow.
Freezing Temperatures and National Impact
This snowy deluge will be accompanied by a sharp plunge in temperatures across the UK. Most regions are likely to wake up to sub-zero conditions on the morning of January 31, with the mercury potentially dropping as low as -6°C in some areas.
The impact will be felt nationwide:
- Northern England: Newcastle could see up to 25cm of snow.
- Capital Cities: Belfast and Cardiff are set to be severely affected, while London may see around 2cm of settled snow.
- Wales and Northern Ireland: Both nations are forecast to feel the full force of the wintry conditions.
Met Office Long-Range Forecast Echoes Chilly Outlook
The Met Office's own long-range forecast for the period January 23 to February 1 supports the potential for a widespread cold snap. While initially noting temperatures around or slightly above average for many, their outlook indicates an increased chance of a transition to colder, drier conditions later in the period.
The forecaster stated this shift "increases the chance of snow across parts of the country," though they consistently highlight the inherent uncertainty of detailed snow predictions beyond a few days. The Met Office explains that forecasting snow is particularly challenging in the UK due to factors like elevation, distance from the coast, and precipitation intensity.
Residents across the vast majority of the UK are now advised to monitor the latest forecasts closely and prepare for potential travel disruption and very cold weather as the final days of January approach.
