The United Kingdom is preparing for a significant winter weather event, with forecasters predicting a continuous 33-hour snowstorm set to commence later this week. Advanced meteorological modelling indicates that this prolonged snowfall will begin on Thursday, February 5, and persist until the early hours of February 7.
Timeline and Duration of the Snow Event
According to detailed charts from WX Charts, the snow is expected to start falling around 9pm on February 5. The precipitation is forecast to continue non-stop until approximately 6am on February 7, creating a substantial 33-hour period of snowfall. This extended duration could lead to significant accumulations across affected regions.
Geographical Impact and Coverage
Maps based on the GFS system and ECMWF model show that numerous counties across England and Scotland will experience this weather phenomenon. A wide swathe of both countries is predicted to be blanketed by snow, with particular emphasis on northern and eastern areas where colder air masses are expected to interact with incoming precipitation.
Meteorological Context and Forecast Details
The Met Office's broader forecast for February provides important context for this specific event. Their analysis suggests that a south-shifted jet stream is likely to persist through much of the month, steering areas of low pressure towards and south of the UK. This pattern typically brings spells of wet and windy weather, with rain most frequent in southern and western regions, and potentially eastern Scotland.
Regarding temperature conditions, the Met Office indicates that temperatures for the period as a whole will likely be close to average for most parts of the UK, though possibly slightly below average in the northeast. This temperature profile creates conditions conducive to snow formation, particularly when precipitation encounters colder air across northern parts of the country.
Short-Term Weather Outlook
In the immediate lead-up to this snow event, the BBC Weather forecast describes predominantly cloudy conditions across much of the UK. Some bright spells are expected in far western Scotland, while rain is anticipated to develop in the southwest by evening. The forecast notes that conditions will remain breezy throughout this period.
For the overnight period, cloudy conditions are expected to persist, with outbreaks of rain across southwestern regions and patchy rain in northeast Scotland that may turn wintry on higher ground. The following day is forecast to remain mostly cloudy, with southern areas experiencing rain in places and eastern Scotland seeing patchy rain and snow.
Potential Implications and Preparations
This prolonged snow event could have various impacts across affected regions. The continuous nature of the snowfall over 33 hours increases the likelihood of substantial accumulations, which may affect transportation networks, particularly in areas where snow is less common. Residents in predicted impact zones are advised to monitor official weather updates and consider necessary preparations for winter conditions.
The combination of meteorological factors - including the persistent jet stream pattern, temperature variations across regions, and the interaction of precipitation with colder air masses - creates the conditions for this extended snow event. While confidence in specific timing and accumulation amounts may vary as the event approaches, current modelling suggests a significant winter weather episode for parts of the UK.
