The Midlands is preparing for a significant bout of severe winter weather, with forecasters predicting a potent mix of heavy rainfall and snowfall to hit the region in the second week of January.
Wintery Deluge Set for January 9
While the UK contends with initial Met Office warnings for snow and ice in the first week of the new year, a more widespread wintery deluge is forecast to arrive on Friday, January 9. According to data from WX Charts, weather maps are showing intense shades of purple and green, indicating the severity of the incoming system.
Heavy snowfall on that day is expected to be largely confined to northern England. However, the heavy rainfall associated with the system will have a much broader impact, affecting large swathes of the country including the West Midlands and southern regions.
Localised Impact and Rainfall Totals
The most intense rainfall within the West Midlands is predicted for the South Staffordshire area, north of Wolverhampton. Here, modelling suggests a potential for up to 28.6mm of rain to fall per hour around 12pm on January 9.
This initial downpour could then be followed by a shift to snowfall later in the day. Forecasts indicate the possibility of 5.3cm (2 inches) of snow per hour arriving at 6pm in South Staffordshire.
Birmingham is also in line for disruptive weather, with predictions of 18.3mm of rainfall at 12pm, followed later by 2.4cm of snow per hour at 6pm.
Met Office Long-Range Forecast
The Met Office's outlook supports these predictions. In its long-range forecast covering January 6 to 15, the national weather service warns of bands of rain moving in from the Atlantic during the second week of January.
The forecast states: "The recent spell of cold, northerly winds should begin to ease by the middle of next week... However, bands of rain seem likely to gradually move in off the Atlantic and, as these encounter the cold air entrenched over the UK, some further snowfall is possible, particularly in central and eastern areas, with rain more likely in the west."
Looking beyond next weekend, the Met Office notes increased uncertainty but suggests conditions may become less cold than recently. Despite this, the potential for further snow, especially in northern and central areas, remains. The south and west may see milder interludes, but these could bring the risk of heavier rain and stronger winds at times.
Residents across the Midlands are advised to stay updated with the latest weather warnings from the Met Office and plan for potential travel disruption as the January 9 weather system approaches.
