Weather forecasters have issued a stark warning as a major winter weather system, dubbed a 'snow bomb', is now predicted to stretch over 537 miles, directly targeting central England in the new year.
Key Date and Locations for Heavy Snow
Fresh meteorological data indicates that Sunday, January 4, 2026, is set to be a significant date for disruptive wintry weather. According to the latest charts from WX Charts, which utilises Met Desk data, snow is expected to hit the West Midlands region during the evening.
The GFS modelling system has identified this date for potential snowfall reaching as far south as Birmingham, Staffordshire, and Shropshire. Maps suggest flurries will begin to settle across the West Midlands from around 6pm on that day.
Forecast Snow Depths and Temperature Plunge
The most intense snowfall is anticipated further north. Forecasts suggest the heaviest accumulations will be near Aberdeen and Newcastle, where snow depths could reach 5cm. In these areas, temperatures are predicted to plummet to a biting -6°C.
More broadly, Scotland and the north east coast of England could see significant accumulations of between 5cm and 10cm of snow, leading to likely travel disruption and hazardous conditions.
Broader Weather Patterns for the New Year Period
Looking at the wider forecast from Monday, December 29 to Sunday, January 4, Netweather TV predicts a cold and unsettled pattern. They state that easterly and north-easterly winds will bring plenty of cloud to eastern Britain, while western areas may see more sunshine but colder temperatures.
The forecasters note: "Temperatures will tend to be close to the long-term seasonal average near North Sea coasts... but it will often be colder than average in the west and south of Britain in particular, especially by night, where overnight frosts and patchy fog are likely to recur."
They add that later in the week, winds may turn more northerly, increasing the potential for wintry showers, particularly in the north-east and on high ground.
Echoing the potential for severe conditions, James Madden from Exacta Weather said: "The upcoming end of year and New Year period on 'current' and repeated projections... now show things turning very wintry for many to start 2026."
Mr Madden expects "widespread snow across some large parts of the country (north and south and UK and Ireland)". He suggested the start of this wintry spell could shift towards December 27-29, but emphasised that forecasts are still being refined. "We are literally still talking days here in terms of any start-date discrepancy," he added, advising the public to stay updated with the latest forecasts.
