The United Kingdom is on alert for a significant winter weather event, with forecasters warning of a widespread snow storm affecting 21 counties across the nation. The wintry conditions are expected to strike around Sunday, January 4, bringing disruptive snowfall and plunging temperatures as low as -4°C.
Nationwide Impact and Forecast Details
This weather system is predicted to impact all four Home Nations. Scotland is expected to bear the brunt of the coldest conditions, with the Highlands likely to see temperatures plummet to -4°C. In England, areas like Cumbria and the Lake District will face temperatures hovering around 0°C to -1°C.
Maps from WX Charts, which utilise the advanced GFS modelling system, indicate that by 6pm on Wednesday, January 6, the most persistent snow will be largely confined to Scotland, with only a small patch remaining in Cumbria, England.
Full List of Counties at Risk
The snow warning spans a vast geographical area. In England, the counties identified include Cumbria, Durham, Berkshire, Oxfordshire, and Hampshire.
The list for Scotland is extensive, covering:
- Highland
- Argyll and Bute
- Stirling
- Perth and Kinross
- North Ayrshire
- South Lanarkshire
- East Ayrshire
- Inverclyde
- West Dunbartonshire
- Renfrewshire
- North Lanarkshire
In Northern Ireland, the counties set to be affected are Antrim, Armagh, Londonderry, and Tyrone. Wales is also within the firing line of this major winter storm.
Short-Term Forecast Leading to the Cold Snap
Prior to this severe weather, the Met Office forecast for Boxing Day suggests predominantly dry and settled conditions for the next few days. Early light rain will clear the southwest, leaving a dry day with sunny spells for most, though it will feel chilly, especially in the breezy south.
Looking ahead to Saturday, December 27, it will be clear and dry for many with sunshine in the south and west, though cloud will thicken through the day. The outlook from Sunday to Tuesday, December 28-30, indicates a continuation of mostly dry weather but with increasing cloud and below-average temperatures, making it feel especially chilly in the south where brisk winds are expected.
Residents across the listed counties are advised to monitor the latest Met Office updates and prepare for potential travel disruption and cold weather impacts from January 4 onwards.
