Met Office Issues Updated Snow Warning for UK Weekend
The Met Office has released an updated weather advisory, highlighting multiple UK regions that could experience snow this weekend. Forecasters are warning of unsettled conditions expected to affect the country on Saturday, January 31, and Sunday, February 1.
Unsettled Weekend Forecast
According to the latest meteorological data, the UK faces a weekend dominated by further rain, strong winds, and the potential for hill snow in specific areas. The persistent unsettled pattern continues as a south-shifted jet stream pushes areas of low pressure towards the British Isles.
Met Office Chief Forecaster Rebekah Hicks explained the situation: "A south-shifted jet stream continues to push areas of low pressure towards the UK, resulting in further spells of rain and occasionally strong winds. With ground conditions saturated in several regions, additional rainfall, even if not as intense as earlier in the week, may still bring disruption."
Regions at Risk of Snow
The Met Office has specifically identified areas where snow flurries are anticipated over the weekend. The forecast indicates a continued risk of hill snow, with the following region highlighted:
- North East of England
Low pressure systems are expected to remain in charge throughout the weekend, bringing further outbreaks of rain or showers on Saturday for many parts of the country. The weather pattern is forecast to turn more showery on Sunday, with some drier and brighter intervals developing in places.
Temperature Outlook and Meteorological Explanation
Temperatures are predicted to remain close to seasonal averages for most regions, though colder air will persist in northern areas. Met Office Deputy Chief Forecaster Dan Holley provided additional context for the current weather pattern: "We'll continue to see a strong and south-shifted jet stream well into next week, which will steer further low pressure systems close to the UK from the North Atlantic. These will bring further spells of rain at times, accompanied by strengthening winds, with an ongoing risk of flooding in sensitive areas. There will also be some hill snow at times in the north as this wet weather engages with colder air here."
Saturday's Specific Forecast
Looking specifically at Saturday's conditions, the Met Office predicts often cloudy skies across much of the UK, with perhaps a few brighter spells developing in eastern regions. Outbreaks of light rain and drizzle are possible almost anywhere, while heavier rain and showers in the southwest are expected to edge slowly northwards throughout the day.
The combination of saturated ground conditions from previous rainfall and the anticipated additional precipitation raises concerns about potential disruption across affected regions. Residents in areas highlighted for snow risk are advised to stay updated with the latest weather forecasts and travel information.
