Meteorological data has revealed that the United Kingdom is set to experience an intense and prolonged snowfall event, dubbed a "snow bomb," lasting for a continuous forty hours. Weather mapping services, utilising data from Met Desk, indicate that this significant blizzard will primarily impact regions across England and Scotland.
Timeline and Expected Impact
The substantial snowfall is anticipated to commence in the late hours of Monday, January 26th, specifically from around 6pm in the south-west of England. The persistent flurries are then forecast to continue throughout Tuesday, finally subsiding by 10am on Wednesday. This weather system follows in the wake of the recently named Storm Ingrid.
Regions at Highest Risk
Current projections highlight several areas that are expected to bear the brunt of this severe winter weather. The most affected locations are likely to include:
- Cumbria
- Durham
- Northumberland
- Yorkshire
- Lancashire
- Greater Manchester
- Parts of the Midlands
In the most severely hit zones, particularly in Scotland, accumulations could reach a staggering 70 centimetres of snow, posing significant travel and safety challenges.
Broader Weather Outlook
In the immediate lead-up to this major snow event, the forecast for Sunday, January 25th, indicates predominantly cloudy conditions with patchy rain. The south-west and far south of the country may experience heavy and persistent rainfall during the morning, while north-east Scotland could see hill sleet and snow.
The night into Monday is expected to be mostly cloudy but generally dry for most areas, although the north-east may continue to see spells of rain and hill snow. A breezy conditions is forecast for the north and far west.
Extended Forecast into Midweek
Looking further ahead, the period from Tuesday to Thursday is predicted to remain unsettled:
- Tuesday will be windy and unsettled across the UK, with rain at times and a continued risk of hill snow in northern regions.
- Wednesday should see cloud and rain clearing northwards, allowing for some brighter spells to develop. However, a new band of showery rain is expected to move into the south-west overnight.
- Thursday is forecast to be another cloudy day, with further spells of rain progressing northwards throughout the daytime hours.
Residents in the affected regions are advised to monitor official weather warnings and travel updates closely as this significant winter weather system approaches.
