Detailed meteorological modelling has revealed that nearly half of England will avoid the significant snowfall predicted to hit parts of the United Kingdom next month, while Scotland prepares for potentially disruptive conditions with accumulations reaching up to 38 inches in some areas.
February Snow Event Forecast
The latest advanced weather modelling from WX Charts, which utilises Met Desk data, indicates a substantial downturn in conditions is likely to begin around February 7th. The projections show significant snowfall primarily affecting Scotland and northern regions of England, with the Midlands and northern counties expected to bear the brunt of the wintry conditions.
Areas Set to Escape the Snowfall
According to the detailed maps and charts, all regions situated south of the West Midlands conurbation appear likely to be spared from the heaviest snowfall. This includes a substantial list of counties across southern and eastern England that are forecast to experience relatively normal winter conditions during this period.
The comprehensive list of areas expected to avoid significant snow accumulation includes:
- Northamptonshire
- Bedfordshire
- Buckinghamshire
- Hertfordshire
- Berkshire
- Oxfordshire
- Cambridgeshire
- Norfolk
- Suffolk
- Essex
- Kent
- Wiltshire
- Surrey
- Sussex
- Hampshire
- Devon
- Cornwall
- Dorset
- Gloucestershire
- Somerset
- Isle of Wight
- Greater London
Significant Snowfall Expected in Scotland
While southern England prepares for relatively mild conditions, the meteorological data presents a starkly different picture for Scotland. The worst-affected areas north of the border could experience snow accumulation reaching approximately one meter in depth, equivalent to around 38 inches. This substantial snowfall has the potential to cause significant disruption to transport networks, infrastructure, and daily life across affected Scottish regions.
Met Office Extended Forecast
Looking beyond the initial February 7th event, the Met Office indicates that similar weather patterns are likely to persist throughout the early part of the month. Their extended forecast suggests Atlantic frontal systems will continue attempting to push eastwards at intervals, with the jet stream positioned slightly further south than is typical for this time of year.
The meteorological service notes that "the wettest conditions are more likely in central and southern areas, while north and northwestern parts of the UK are most likely to be drier than normal." They further explain that "mild incursions of wet and windy weather are favoured at times in the south and west, while colder conditions in the north and northeast will bring an increased risk of wintry hazards, especially where any precipitation from the southwest interacts with the cold air."
Immediate Weather Outlook
In the shorter term, the Met Office forecast for Sunday, January 25th, indicates cloudy conditions for many areas with outbreaks of rain and heavy showers. Further hill snow is considered likely across parts of northeast Scotland, with a few brighter breaks potentially developing at times in southern regions.
The forecast continues: "Largely cloudy with patchy outbreaks of rain, generally easing. Wintry showers mostly in the northeast, with mist and fog patches developing in any cloud breaks in the southeast. Generally cloudy with further outbreaks of rain for northeast England and east Scotland, wintry over the hills."
A band of rain and strong winds is expected to arrive from the west and spread eastwards, with conditions remaining unsettled throughout the coming days. The meteorological service anticipates rain, showers, and possible hill snow moving across the country accompanied by strong winds, particularly on Tuesday when another deep area of low pressure is forecast to arrive, maintaining cold conditions across the United Kingdom.
