A severe and prolonged winter weather event is set to strike the United Kingdom, with forecasters warning of a 'snow bomb' lasting 72 hours and potentially burying a 225-mile stretch of England. New weather maps indicate the deep freeze could see temperatures plummet to a bone-chilling -10C in parts of the country.
Three-Day Snow Event Forecast
According to projections based on Met Desk data by WX Charts, the significant snowfall is predicted to sweep across the country from January 8 to January 10. This three-day period is expected to bring more intense and widespread disruption than the flurries experienced earlier in the week. The modelling suggests snow will blanket everywhere from Greater London and the Home Counties right down to the south coast and Devon.
Maps utilising the GFS modelling system show the snow extending from the capital city to the south-west of England. The forecast indicates the south-east, south-west, Midlands, and large areas of Wales will all be affected. The visual data uses white, grey, and light blue shading to represent the sweeping flurries that will turn the nation deeply chilly.
Geographic Impact and Warnings
The snow is projected to cover a vast 225-mile span in England, stretching from north Staffordshire all the way to Devon. Specific areas highlighted for accumulations include Devon, East Anglia (encompassing Norfolk and Suffolk), and the Midlands through to Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent. Snow depths are expected to vary across regions.
In Scotland, the situation remains serious with amber warnings for snow in parts of the north staying in force until Tuesday night. Less severe yellow warnings for snow and ice cover large swathes of the UK until 11am on Tuesday, with most expiring by late morning. The amber alerts for Scotland are forecast to last until 7pm.
Central and northern regions of Scotland have been widely forecast to receive 5-10cm of heavy snow, with some isolated areas potentially seeing up to 15cm. The Met Office has issued advice for those in affected zones, urging people not to drive unless absolutely necessary and to prepare for the possibility of power cuts.
Broader Weather Outlook
A BBC Weather forecast for Wednesday, January 7, indicates a brief respite for some, noting: "Tomorrow will see some lingering patchy snow in northern Scotland, mainly light in nature. Drier elsewhere with sunny spells and variable cloud. Turning cloudy in Northern Ireland and the south-west."
However, the outlook for the critical period from Thursday to Saturday, spanning January 8 to January 10, is far more concerning. The forecast adds: "Cloudy on Thursday with patchy rain and snow in north Scotland. Rain will move in from the west into south England and Wales. Bright in Northern Ireland."
It continues with a key warning: "Overnight, the rain will look to turn to snow over central and southern England, but there is some uncertainty in this. Rain, snow and strong winds clearing on Friday to leave cloud, patchy rain and snow. Bright on Saturday." Residents across the warned regions are advised to monitor official updates from the Met Office and prepare for significant travel disruption and cold weather impacts.
