Significant Snowfall Forecast for 11 English Counties Next Week
Maps from the meteorological service WX Charts are indicating a substantial snow event is set to arrive across parts of England from the morning of Monday, February 16. The forecast suggests that a total of 11 counties could be impacted by what some are terming a 'UK snow bomb', with accumulations potentially reaching up to 20 centimetres in some areas.
Regional Impact and Timeline
The North East of England is expected to be among the first and hardest-hit regions. Forecasts predict that by 6pm on Monday, accumulations of up to 14cm could have fallen in counties including Cumbria, Northumberland, and Durham. The situation is then projected to intensify, with the potential for a further build-up, leading to a total of 20cm of settled snow by Tuesday in these areas.
Full List of Affected Counties
However, the disruptive weather is not confined to the North East. The meteorological maps show a broader swathe of England at risk. The complete list of counties identified as facing potential significant snowfall includes:
- Cheshire
- Cumbria
- County Durham
- Lancashire
- Merseyside
- Greater Manchester
- Northumberland
- South Yorkshire
- Staffordshire
- Tyne and Wear
- West Yorkshire
This brings the total number of counties on alert to eleven, indicating widespread travel disruption and potential service impacts are likely.
Broader Weather Context
Looking at the wider UK forecast, Netweather TV forecaster Nick Finnis provides some short-term context. He notes that Wednesday is expected to be a much improved day for England and Wales, featuring mostly dry conditions with sunny spells. The rain and hill snow affecting northern areas will become confined to Scotland.
Finnis adds that temperatures in the south are expected to be less cold, potentially reaching double figures, while Scotland remains colder. Looking further ahead, he indicates that a new low-pressure system will move closer to the southwest by Thursday, bringing showers north across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Eastern Scotland may continue to see wintry showers off the North Sea.
By Friday, this low pressure is forecast to bring a more organised area of rain northwards across England and Wales, followed by showers, while the northeast remains cold with further wintry showers possible.
