The United Kingdom is preparing for a second major winter onslaught, with significant snowfall forecast to sweep across the country from Sunday, January 11th. Forecast data indicates that Birmingham and the wider Midlands region will once again bear the brunt of the severe conditions, just days after the last significant fall.
Maps Show Widespread Disruption Ahead
According to detailed analysis from WX Charts and Met Desk data, a substantial area of the UK is set to be blanketed. The predictive maps, which use white, grey, and light blue shading to signify snow, highlight a total of 72 counties across the nation that are in the path of the incoming weather system. Within England, the core of the disruptive weather is expected to concentrate over the Midlands, the North West, the North East, and parts of the Cotswolds.
Specifically, 25 counties in the northwest of England and the Midlands are forecast to see snow. The areas identified as being most at risk include Cheshire, Cumbria, Derbyshire, Durham, Yorkshire, Gloucestershire, Greater Manchester, and Herefordshire. A further dusting is anticipated in Lancashire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Merseyside, North Yorkshire, Northamptonshire, Northumberland, Nottinghamshire, and Rutland.
Midlands and Birmingham Directly Targeted
For the Midlands, the warning is particularly acute. The region, including Birmingham, finds itself directly in the firing line for a second time. Counties such as Shropshire, Staffordshire, Warwickshire, and Worcestershire, along with the entire West Midlands conurbation, are all set for further accumulations. This repeat event threatens to compound travel disruptions and challenges for residents and local authorities still dealing with the aftermath of the previous snow.
Storm Goretti Brings Wind and Flooding Threats
The snow event is part of a broader pattern of severe weather linked to Storm Goretti. Jo Farrow from Netweather TV provided a detailed outlook, noting a sharp contrast in conditions across the country. She stated that while southern Britain will contend with strong easterly winds picking up ahead of the low-pressure system, the most severe impact will be felt from Friday.
"The red colours on the sequence show 60mph severe gales head along the Channel as a fresh to strong N/NW wind sets in early on Friday," Farrow explained. "For most people, that will be when you notice Storm Goretti, heading out on Friday. Unless the wind wakes you overnight."
In addition to snow, Goretti is predicted to bring heavy frontal rain, raising the risk of flooding. The Met Office has issued a yellow rain warning for SW Wales and eastern England due to the potential for surface water and river flooding. Coastal flooding is also a possibility along English Channel coasts as the low pressure moves towards the Low Countries.
Meanwhile, northern areas will experience a different threat. With light winds and clear skies expected, temperatures are forecast to plummet dramatically, especially where snow is already lying. After temperatures in the Highlands fell to around -8°C, Thursday night could see them drop as low as -15°C in Scottish glens, even as Storm Goretti rages in the south.
This combination of heavy snow, damaging winds, flooding rain, and extreme cold presents a multi-faceted challenge for the UK, with communities urged to prepare for significant disruption from Sunday onwards.
