The United Kingdom is on high alert as weather forecast models predict a severe and prolonged period of heavy snow, threatening to bring widespread disruption across the nation. Dubbed a 'snow bomb', the event is now expected to last for five consecutive days, potentially bringing many areas to a standstill.
Forecast Maps Predict Widespread Disruption
According to data from WX Charts, which uses the ECMWF weather model, the significant snowfall is set to begin around Thursday, January 23. Fresh flurries will follow on Friday, January 24, with the snow continuing to linger over Saturday, January 25, and Sunday, January 26. The final day of this major snow front is expected to be Monday, January 27.
The scale of the forecast is remarkable, with a vast swathe of the country under threat. The snow is predicted to cover everywhere from Essex in the south-east to Wick in the far north of Scotland – a staggering span of approximately 652 miles. Cities across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland are all in line to be affected.
Heavy Snowfall Rates and Accumulation
At the peak of the event, snowfall rates could reach an intense four inches (around 10cm) per hour, with 6am on the first day highlighted as a particularly severe moment. Similar heavy flurries are likely as the system finally clears on January 27.
In terms of total accumulation, the worst-hit area is expected to be the Scottish Highlands, where up to 32 centimetres (12 inches) of snow could build up. Such significant depths pose a serious risk to travel and infrastructure.
Official Weather Service Warnings
The Met Office's longer-range forecast for late January into February supports the potential for severe winter weather. It states that weather patterns are likely to bring an increased chance of cold conditions to the UK, along with the associated risk of wintry hazards at times.
The forecast explains: "Initially, slowly evolving weather patterns are most likely in the vicinity of the UK, with low pressure typically to the west or southwest and high pressure to the northeast. This configuration brings an increased chance of cold conditions affecting the UK, and the associated risk of wintry hazards at times."
Looking further ahead into February, the Met Office suggests a possible transition back to more unsettled, milder conditions, but notes that confidence at that range is naturally low.
In the immediate short term, the BBC Weather team forecasts a mix of cloud and rain for many, clearing to drier spells later. However, all eyes are firmly on the significant five-day blizzard that is now forecast to follow, urging residents and authorities across the UK to prepare for major disruption.
