Forecasters are warning of potential travel chaos and significant disruption as a major snow event is predicted to strike the Midlands later this month. Advanced weather modelling indicates that a returning band of heavy snowfall could deposit up to 60 centimetres of snow in some areas, beginning from 12 noon on Monday, January 26.
Which Areas Are in the Firing Line?
According to data from WX Charts, which uses the Advanced GFS model based on Met Desk information, a wide swathe of the Midlands is at high risk from this severe downturn in conditions. The forecast shows temperatures are set to plunge dramatically, with intense flurries sweeping across the region.
The counties identified as being in the path of the potential 'snow bomb' include:
- The West Midlands conurbation
- Herefordshire
- Shropshire
- Leicestershire
- Nottinghamshire
- Staffordshire
- Worcestershire
Towns and Cities Set for Heavy Snowfall
This county-wide alert means numerous major population centres and towns are expected to be impacted. The extensive list of locations includes:
Birmingham, Solihull, Tamworth, Sutton Coldfield, Great Barr, Dudley, Shrewsbury, Cannock, Stoke, Worcester, Droitwich Spa, Bromsgrove, Redditch, Leicester, and Nottingham.
Also at risk are Halesowen, Walsall, Sandwell, Wolverhampton, Mansfield, Newark-on-Trent, Worksop, Retford, Beeston, Hinckley, Melton Mowbray, and Shipston on Stour.
Short-Term Weather Outlook
Before the major snow event, the UK is set for mixed conditions. The BBC Weather forecast for Wednesday, January 14, indicates patchy fog in southern parts, with cloud and light rain in the south-east. The north-west will be breezy and cloudy with spells of rain later.
A band of showery rain will sweep eastwards tonight, falling as snow on northern hills and becoming patchier towards the south. Western areas will see clearing skies later.
For Thursday, a spell of heavy rain and strong winds will move into southern England and Wales, with the heaviest rain in the south-west. Further north, variable cloud and isolated showers are expected in west Scotland.
Looking ahead to the weekend, the BBC's early forecast suggests spells of rain, strong winds, and hill snow will push northwards into north England and central-eastern Scotland by Friday morning. Westernmost areas will stay drier but cloudy. Saturday is expected to be calmer with light rain in the south-east and bright spells north and west, while Sunday will be overcast and damp.
Residents and travellers across the Midlands are advised to monitor forecasts closely in the coming days and prepare for potential significant disruption to road and rail networks from January 26 onwards.
