Thirteen counties across England are preparing for a substantial 'snow bomb' event, with forecasts predicting up to three inches of accumulation and temperatures plummeting to -4C. The incoming weather system, identified by meteorological service WX Charts using ECMWF modelling and Met Desk data, is expected to hit the UK next week, bringing significant disruption to multiple regions.
Counties at Highest Risk of Heavy Snowfall
WX Charts has pinpointed specific counties facing the greatest threat from this winter weather event. Northern regions including Cumbria, Durham, and Northumberland are among those identified as particularly vulnerable to the incoming snowfall. Meanwhile, the Midlands area is also expected to experience substantial accumulation, with Staffordshire, West Midlands, Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, Shropshire, Warwickshire, Worcestershire, and Herefordshire all forecast to receive between two and three inches of snow.
Regional Snowfall Predictions and Temperature Impacts
Detailed forecasts indicate varying impacts across different parts of England. Newcastle and the broader North East region are likely to see between 2 and 3 inches of snow accumulation, while southern areas including Greater London could experience up to 2 inches. The combination of significant snowfall and sub-zero temperatures reaching -4C creates conditions for potential travel disruption and challenging conditions for residents across affected counties.
Meteorological maps clearly illustrate the snow hitting across the UK on Wednesday, February 4, marking the beginning of this cold weather episode. The downturn in conditions represents a significant shift from current weather patterns, with temperatures expected to plummet dramatically within days.
Broader Weather Patterns and Extended Forecast
The BBC Weather team has provided additional context for the week spanning Monday, February 2 to Sunday, February 8, describing the overall pattern as "unsettled and slightly warmer." However, this assessment comes with important qualifications regarding the specific snow event affecting the identified counties.
Looking further ahead, forecasters expect a similar pattern to continue in the following week. Further Atlantic low pressure and frontal systems will attempt to push across from the south-west but are likely to slow or stall near the UK as they encounter resistance from high pressure to the north-east of the country.
Precipitation Patterns and Temperature Variations
This meteorological setup will result in bands of rain continuing to move slowly north and east across the country, with snow occasionally possible on the leading edge as these precipitation bands encounter colder air to the north and east. Most of the wintry precipitation should still be concentrated over hills and mountains, but potentially reaching lower levels in northern regions.
The northern UK will experience brighter and more showery conditions more frequently, while central and southern portions of the country will maintain temperatures above normal. The north and north-west are more likely to experience temperatures close to normal ranges, though forecasters note that colder risks are increasing towards the end of next week.
Residents across the affected counties are advised to prepare for potentially challenging conditions, monitor local weather updates, and consider necessary precautions for travel and outdoor activities during this period of anticipated snowfall and low temperatures.
