The Midlands is on high alert for a major winter weather event, with the Met Office issuing an amber warning for snow expected to blanket the region in up to four inches of accumulation. The severe conditions are forecast to sweep in on Thursday evening, January 8, 2026, bringing potential travel disruption and hazardous conditions.
Amber Warning Details and Predicted Snowfall
The Met Office alert, signifying a potential high-impact event, is active from 8pm on Thursday, January 8, until 9am on Friday, January 9. This follows a week already hampered by wintry weather, with the incoming Storm Goretti set to exacerbate conditions. Weather mapping data from WX Charts indicates a dense band of heavy precipitation, marked in purple, moving across the West Midlands.
According to the latest projections, the snowfall will commence in Birmingham around 6pm on Thursday, starting with around 5cm (2 inches). The intensity is then predicted to ramp up significantly, peaking at approximately 9pm with 10.1cm (4 inches) of fresh snow accumulating in the city at that hour.
Which Towns and Cities Will Be Worst Hit?
The heavy snow is not confined to Birmingham. A swathe of the Black Country and surrounding areas is set for similar accumulations at the peak of the weather event. Key locations in the firing line include:
- Wolverhampton, Dudley, Walsall, and West Bromwich: All forecast to see around four inches (10cm) of snow.
- Stoke-on-Trent: Could experience slightly higher falls of 10.4cm (4.1 inches).
- Stafford: Parts of South Staffordshire may bear the brunt with up to 11.9cm (4.6 inches).
- Shrewsbury: Forecast for 11.5cm (4.5 inches) of snow at 9pm.
The snow is expected to stop falling across Birmingham and the Black Country by 6am on Friday morning, according to WX Charts data.
Official Forecast and Public Advice
The Met Office regional forecast for Thursday paints a picture of deteriorating conditions. It predicts: "Bright spells in the north but with some wintry showers. Turning wet and windy further south with snow, especially on hills. Severe gales later in the far southwest."
Residents across the Midlands are urged to prepare for the impending severe weather. The amber warning suggests a strong likelihood of travel delays on roads, possible stranding of vehicles, and disruption to rail and air travel. Power cuts may also occur, and rural communities could become cut off. People should consider altering travel plans, allow extra time for journeys, and check on vulnerable neighbours.
This significant snow event, driven by Storm Goretti, marks a sharp escalation in the wintery conditions experienced across the region this week and serves as a stark reminder to stay updated with the latest forecasts and official warnings.
