The Met Office has escalated weather warnings across the United Kingdom, placing 32 counties on alert for substantial snowfall expected to arrive before the end of Friday. Both yellow and amber alerts have been activated, signalling potential disruption from wintry conditions.
Significant Accumulation Forecast
Meteorological data indicates that higher ground areas could receive accumulations of up to eight inches, equivalent to 20 centimetres, of snow. Current projections from forecaster WX Charts suggest the snowfall will begin impacting regions from Tuesday, January 27th, with maps showing snow lingering through Wednesday and Thursday.
Affected Regions Across the UK
The forecast identifies eight English counties facing particularly heavy snowfall, with northern regions most at risk. The list includes:
- Northumberland
- Cumbria
- North Yorkshire
- Lancashire
- West Yorkshire
- East Riding of Yorkshire
- Merseyside
- Greater Manchester
Scottish counties preparing for significant snowfall encompass a wide area, including:
- Sutherland and Ross & Cromarty
- Inverness-shire and Nairnshire
- Banffshire and Aberdeenshire
- Perthshire and Argyll
- Multiple southern counties including Lanarkshire and Dumfriesshire
Welsh counties expecting blanket coverage include:
- Isle of Anglesey and Gwynedd
- Conwy and Denbighshire
- Flintshire and Wrexham
- Ceredigion and Powys
Weather System Context
BBC Weather forecaster Helen Willetts has provided context for the incoming weather system, noting that Storm Chandra follows closely behind previous storms Goretti and Ingrid. This rapid succession of weather systems reduces recovery time between rainfall events, significantly increasing flood risks across affected regions.
Willetts further explained that strong winds accompanying these systems may pose additional threats, particularly as structures and vegetation may have been weakened by previous storms this month. The forecaster emphasised that while chillier conditions will develop compared to recent days, no exceptionally cold temperatures are currently anticipated.
Extended Forecast Outlook
Looking beyond the immediate snow event, meteorological models suggest continued atmospheric instability. Next week is expected to bring bands of rain pushing into southwestern regions, with some wintry precipitation likely, particularly on higher ground. The ongoing struggle between mild and cold air masses will continue to influence UK weather patterns in the coming days.
Residents across the 32 affected counties are advised to monitor official weather updates and prepare for potential travel disruption and hazardous conditions as the snowfall develops throughout the week.
