The Met Office has confirmed that significant snowfall is set to hit parts of the United Kingdom this weekend, with a fresh weather warning now in place.
Weekend Weather Warning Details
A yellow alert for snow and ice will be active from 2am until 3pm on Sunday, January 11. Forecasters warn that some regions, particularly over higher ground, could see accumulations of 10 to 20 centimetres of snow. Lower levels within the warning area may still receive a further 2-5cm.
The cold snap begins on Saturday evening, with temperatures predicted to drop sharply, leading to widespread frost and hazardous icy surfaces. Sunday will then see milder air arriving from the west, clashing with the cold air and creating the risk of snow and rain.
Regional Impacts and Disruption
The Met Office stated that the incoming front will primarily bring snow to parts of Scotland and northern England. With many of these areas already affected by severe recent snowfall, the new fall is likely to cause ongoing disruption.
"As the milder air meets the cold air in place, precipitation will fall as snow over the hills of Northern England and Scotland," explained a forecaster. "At lower levels, there is a risk of snow for a time, but this will likely turn to rain as temperatures rise."
Central and southern England and Wales are expected to see rain instead, leading to a wet Sunday. The combination of melting snow and rainfall also raises the potential for flooding in the coming days.
Uncertain Timing and Public Advice
Officials have noted some uncertainty regarding the precise timing of the weather fronts, which will be crucial for how conditions develop. The Midlands and southern regions should expect outbreaks of rain, while eastern England might stay dry until later in the day.
The Met Office has urged the public to stay vigilant. "If you have plans for Sunday, it’s important to stay updated with the latest forecast," they advised. "The timing of the wet weather is still uncertain, and conditions could change rapidly."
Temperatures during the rain are expected to be around 3 or 4°C, feeling particularly raw due to strengthening winds. By late Sunday, the southwest might see double-digit temperatures if the milder air establishes itself quickly.
The yellow weather warning covers the following regions:
- West Midlands & East Midlands
- Central, Tayside and Fife
- Grampian; Highlands and Eilean Siar
- North East England & North West England
- Orkney and Shetland
- South West Scotland, Lothian Borders
- Strathclyde
- Yorkshire and Humber
