The Met Office has escalated weather warnings across the United Kingdom, forecasting significant snowfall that could reach depths of up to 20 centimetres in certain regions this Tuesday, January 27th. This substantial accumulation, equivalent to approximately eight inches, is expected to impact elevated areas and high ground, prompting concerns for travel and local services.
Regions Under Yellow Snow Warnings
In its latest forecast, the national weather service has implemented yellow warnings for snow, covering a swathe of England from the North East—including Cumbria, Durham, and Northumberland—down into the Midlands, encompassing Derbyshire and Staffordshire. Additionally, Yorkshire, Greater Manchester, and Lancashire are identified as areas at risk, with the most severe conditions anticipated on high peaks where accumulations could hit the 20cm mark.
Forecast Details and Potential Impacts
The Met Office predicts that outbreaks of rain will move northwards overnight on Monday and into Tuesday, transitioning to snow over higher terrain. Rainfall totals are likely to range from 20-30mm widely, with potential for 40-50mm in some locations, accumulating rapidly in areas like the southern Pennines and southwest Scotland.
While low-lying areas may see little settling snow, the forecast indicates a sharp increase in snow depth with elevation: 2-5cm above 300 metres, 5-10cm above 400 metres, and 10-20cm above 500 metres. This poses a risk to high-level transport routes, with drifting possible due to brisk southeasterly winds. Strong, gusty winds, particularly to the west of hills, could exacerbate disruption to travel networks.
Expert Analysis and Further Disruptions
Jo Farrow from Netweather TV highlighted additional weather challenges, noting gales expected for western Wales, around the Irish Sea, and a very windy day for Northern Ireland on Tuesday afternoon and evening. Western Scotland may experience lee gusts and potential ferry disruptions, including services to the Northern Isles.
Ferry operators have already issued early warnings; NorthLink Ferries has alerted customers to possible service disruptions from Sunday, January 25th through to Saturday, January 31st, while Calmac on the west coast reports further cancellations due to the adverse conditions.
Extended Outlook Beyond Tuesday
Looking ahead to January 31st and beyond, the Met Office anticipates that weather systems from the Atlantic will continue to approach from the west but may stall near the UK due to high pressure to the north and northeast. This setup is expected to bring further spells of rain or showers, along with strong winds at times, with heavy and persistent rain likely in the south and west.
Mild conditions may occasionally encroach into the south and southwest, but cold air positioned to the northeast could lead to wintry showers. Where fronts from the southwest meet this colder air, there is a risk of snow, most probable across hills but potentially extending to lower areas periodically.
Residents in affected regions are advised to stay updated with the latest forecasts and prepare for potential travel delays and hazardous conditions on Tuesday.
