Meteorological data from WX Charts has unveiled a significant winter weather event poised to impact the Midlands, with specific areas identified as facing substantial snowfall. According to the latest maps and charts, a total of 43 counties across England and Scotland are likely to experience severe wintry conditions in and around February 16.
Targeted Snowfall Across the Midlands
The forecast indicates that while the North East of England is expected to bear the brunt of the snowfall, two key Midlands counties have been pinpointed for notable accumulations. Staffordshire and Derbyshire are both identified as facing the prospect of up to 35 centimetres of snow, which could significantly disrupt travel and daily activities.
Major Towns at Risk
The inclusion of Staffordshire and Derbyshire in the forecast means several major population centres are directly in the path of this wintry weather. Affected towns are anticipated to include Stafford, Stoke-on-Trent, Tamworth, Cannock, Rugeley, Matlock, Buxton, Alvaston, Swadlincote, and the city of Derby itself. Residents in these areas are advised to prepare for potential disruptions.
Broader National Weather Patterns
Beyond the Midlands, the weather system is forecast to bring varying levels of snowfall across a wide swathe of the country. Cheshire, Greater Manchester, Lancashire, Yorkshire, Durham, Cumbria, and Northumberland are all expected to receive a dusting, with some northern regions potentially seeing much heavier accumulations.
Notably, maps suggest one area north of the border in Scotland could be covered by as much as 91 centimetres of snow, highlighting the intensity of this approaching weather front. In England, accumulations are generally predicted to reach around 35 centimetres in the hardest-hit zones.
Meteorological Context and Outlook
The BBC Weather team has provided additional context, stating that unsettled conditions will persist through early February. They note: "Unsettled weather will continue and there will be some chillier days through early February, chiefly in the northern UK but potentially more widely mid-month. Significantly low temperatures look unlikely, but there will be some wintry precipitation, mainly over northern hills. Late February should become milder."
A short-term forecast adds further detail: "The rest of this week will be changeable and often breezy. Low pressure systems will slowly move around to the south-west, with associated fronts pushing north-east and northwards across the UK. These will bring bands of rain, interspersed with brighter but showery conditions, with rather mild air pushing across southern regions."
The forecast also warns of potential for heavy, persistent rain and possible thunder, particularly in south-west England and South Wales. Meteorological uncertainty remains regarding how far and fast these fronts will progress towards Scotland, due to high-pressure systems across southern Scandinavia and north of the UK.
