Sixteen counties across England are preparing for an intense 48-hour snow event, with new meteorological projections indicating a relentless blizzard poised to blanket the nation. Detailed weather maps reveal a significant winter storm system is forecast to develop on February 16, continuing unabated into February 17, bringing potential travel disruption and hazardous conditions to numerous regions.
Widespread Snowfall Expected Across Multiple Regions
According to analysis from WX Charts, which utilises Met Desk data, these counties could awaken to accumulations of up to 10 centimetres, with snow drifts potentially burying localised areas. The GFS HRES modelling system illustrates a broad band of white precipitation encompassing much of the country within the coming days, signalling a substantial winter weather event.
Comprehensive List of Affected Counties
The meteorological projections, grounded in Met Desk data, indicate snow flurries will initiate on February 16 and persist through February 17. The full roster of counties anticipated to experience this prolonged snowfall includes:
- County Durham
- Cumbria
- Derbyshire
- East Yorkshire
- Greater Manchester
- Lancashire
- Leicestershire
- Lincolnshire
- Merseyside
- Norfolk
- North Yorkshire
- Northumberland
- Nottinghamshire
- South Yorkshire
- Suffolk
- West Yorkshire
Broader Weather Patterns and Forecast Context
The BBC Weather team's forecast for the period spanning Monday 16 to Sunday 22 February describes a changeable pattern with variable temperatures across the UK. The widespread cold spell associated with this snow event is expected to be temporary, as high pressure to the north will likely weaken and potentially be replaced by developing low pressure near Iceland by week's end.
This atmospheric shift should facilitate the development of broadly south-westerly wind flows at intervals, transporting milder air masses across the UK. While Scotland may remain comparatively chillier with temperatures hovering near or slightly below seasonal averages, there is increased confidence for a milder period across southern UK regions.
Transition to Atlantic-Influenced Weather Regime
This emerging Atlantic-influenced weather pattern is anticipated to bring successive periods of wet and windy conditions as frontal systems traverse the UK. Above-average rainfall amounts are expected, which could elevate risks of localised flooding, particularly in parts of southern England, south-western UK, and South Wales.
Notably, the colder leading edges of these rain bands could still produce snowfall, especially over elevated terrain in northern areas. Meteorological signals also indicate high pressure may build over the eastern Atlantic between weather systems, delivering brighter but chillier interludes accompanied by wintry showers driven by north to north-westerly winds.
Residents across the sixteen identified counties are advised to monitor official weather updates and prepare for potential travel disruption during this significant winter weather event.
