Midlands Braces for Significant Snowfall with Up to 10.7cm Predicted
Weather maps are indicating that towns and cities across both the West Midlands and East Midlands regions could be blanketed by substantial snowfall next week. According to the latest forecasts from WX Charts, which utilizes metdesk data, the snow is scheduled to arrive on Tuesday, February 17, and continue into Wednesday, February 18.
Timing and Accumulation Details
The snowfall is expected to commence at 6pm on Tuesday evening and persist through midnight, creating a total snow window of approximately 12 hours. This prolonged period of precipitation could lead to significant accumulations across various locations.
In Birmingham, forecasts predict an initial coating of 2.8cm (1.1 inches) at 6pm, followed by an additional 3.9cm (1.5 inches) arriving from midnight onward.
Across the Black Country, towns including Dudley, Walsall, West Bromwich, and Wolverhampton are anticipated to receive around 3.9cm (1.5 inches) of snow at 6pm, with accumulations potentially increasing to 4.5cm (1.7 inches) by midnight.
Regional Variations in Snowfall Predictions
The forecasts reveal considerable variation in expected snow depths across different Midlands towns:
- Craven Arms in Shropshire could face the heaviest snowfall, with predictions of 6cm (2.3 inches) at 6pm and 4.7cm (1.8 inches) at midnight, potentially totaling up to 10.7cm (4.2 inches) over the 12-hour period.
- Kidderminster in Worcestershire is forecast to receive 3cm (1.1 inches) at 6pm, followed by an additional 3.3cm (1.3 inches) at midnight.
- Stone in Staffordshire may see around 4.4cm (1.7 inches) arrive at 6pm, with a further 7.7cm (3 inches) covering expected at midnight.
Met Office Long-Range Forecast Context
The Met Office has issued a long-range forecast covering February 16 to 25, warning of potential snow appearing in northern parts of the country alongside periods of heavy rain elsewhere. The national weather service indicated that Atlantic low pressure systems are likely to dominate weather patterns during this period.
"Showers or longer spells of rain are expected as Atlantic low pressure systems dominate in the vicinity of the UK," stated the Met Office. "Some heavy rain is likely in places, probably focussed on western hills, with some snow at times in the north, mainly on high ground."
The forecast also mentions the possibility of strong winds, particularly around coastal areas, with temperatures expected to remain near normal for this time of year. Later in the period, there is a chance that drier and more settled conditions may begin to develop across the region.
Residents across the Midlands are advised to prepare for potentially disruptive weather conditions next week, with significant snowfall predicted to affect travel and daily activities throughout the region.
