Eight English Counties Prepare for Snowfall as Cold Snap Returns Next Week
Weather maps are predicting significant snowfall that could disrupt eight counties across England at the beginning of next week. The Met Office has indicated that wintry conditions are set to return following a period dominated by heavy rain and strong winds, with colder easterly winds developing over the weekend leading to a noticeable temperature drop.
Weekend Transition to Colder Conditions
While Saturday will continue to bring showers and blustery winds across the country, temperatures are expected to plummet to around 5°C to 6°C. There is a possibility of some hill snow developing in north-eastern regions as the weekend progresses. By Sunday, conditions are forecast to turn even colder with a mixture of showers expected across the north west and far south of England.
These showers are predicted to fall increasingly as sleet or snow in the north east, particularly on higher ground. The Met Office has emphasised that this marks a significant shift from the recent wet and windy weather patterns that have characterised much of January.
Extended Forecast and Weather System Development
The wintry conditions are expected to persist into next week as a weather system approaches from the Atlantic, bringing colder air across the UK on Monday. This atmospheric change increases the likelihood of snowfall in several areas, though forecasters caution that significant uncertainty remains regarding exact accumulation levels and precise locations.
In their extended range UK weather forecast, Met Office meteorologists stated: "Low pressure will remain the driving force for much of the weekend's weather, with a mixture of winds and rain for many through the weekend. While much uncertainty remains into the start of next week, there's a chance of wintry hazards at times, particularly in the north and east, with the possibility of snow for some."
The forecast continues: "With an easterly influence, cold weather, especially for those in the northeast, is on the cards with the potential for snowfall accumulations in places, though it's too early to specify exact details."
Detailed Monday and Tuesday Predictions
A more specific forecast for the beginning of the working week adds important context: "As colder air becomes established, the next Atlantic system approaches on Monday, bringing a band of heavy rain into Northern Ireland, Wales and southwest England. However, as this encounters the colder air, it may turn to snow in places."
Forecasters have highlighted that the exact location of snowfall depends on subtle variations in the low pressure system's track. Some meteorological models suggest the low pressure system could track slightly further south, increasing the chance of snow on its leading edge before precipitation turns back to rain. Other simulations indicate a more northerly track with fewer wintry hazards expected.
Counties Potentially Affected by Snowfall
While the approaching Atlantic weather system means forecasts could still change, current Met Office maps indicate possible snow is forecast for these specific areas of England:
Monday Forecast Areas
- County Durham
- Cumbria
- North Yorkshire
- East Riding of Yorkshire
Tuesday Forecast Areas
- Northumberland
- North Yorkshire
- South Yorkshire
- West Yorkshire
- Derbyshire
Met Office maps also show some snowfall potential in parts of Scotland and Wales from Monday, while rain showers remain likely across large swathes of the country. Residents in the affected counties are advised to monitor weather updates closely as the situation develops, particularly regarding travel disruptions and potential accumulation levels.
