Fresh meteorological data has revealed that the Midlands region could be hit by a significant and prolonged snow event lasting for an extraordinary 66 hours next week. According to the latest projections from WX Charts, this wintry onslaught is set to bring substantial accumulations across multiple counties, potentially disrupting travel and daily life.
Timeline of the Predicted Snowfall
The forecast indicates that the initial flurries will begin across the Midlands by noon on Tuesday, January 27. Early estimates suggest that between 1cm and 5cm of snow could blanket the region initially, with Birmingham expected to see around 2cm at this stage.
Intensifying Conditions Through Tuesday Evening
By 6pm on Tuesday, the snowfall is predicted to intensify significantly. Birmingham could witness accumulations rising to 8cm, while the Black Country may see up to 9cm. Worcestershire might experience even heavier falls, with projections of up to 11cm, whereas Stoke-on-Trent is forecast to receive approximately 4cm.
Weather maps suggest the snow will continue unabated for the following six hours, potentially pushing Birmingham's total to 11cm by midnight. Areas north of Birmingham, including Stafford, are expected to see slightly less accumulation, ranging between 8cm and 9cm, with Stoke likely to receive about 7cm.
Peak Accumulations and Regional Variations
The wintry conditions are forecast to persist throughout Wednesday, with the Black Country potentially facing a massive 17cm of snow by 6am. Birmingham's accumulation could reach 13cm at this point. Other regions, including Staffordshire and Worcestershire, may see snowfall between 10cm and 13cm.
At noon on Wednesday, some parts of the Midlands could be dealing with up to 19cm of snow, easing only slightly to 18cm by 6pm. The snowfall is expected to continue into Thursday, January 29, with Birmingham potentially seeing up to 13cm and the Black Country—encompassing Wolverhampton, Dudley, Walsall, and Sandwell—facing up to 17cm by midnight.
Gradual Thaw and Clearing Forecast
Data indicates that snow depth will remain at similar levels for approximately 12 hours before beginning to dwindle by 6pm on Thursday. According to the maps, the Midlands should see no snow remaining on the ground by 6am on Friday, January 30, marking the end of this prolonged wintry episode.
Met Office Advisory and Broader Weather Context
The Met Office has issued warnings of colder conditions and the risk of snow showers across the UK between Monday, January 26, and Wednesday, February 4. Their forecast explains that weather systems moving from the Atlantic will attempt to push eastward but are likely to stall near the UK due to high pressure to the north and northeast.
This meteorological setup is expected to bring further spells of rain or showers, which may be heavy and persistent, particularly in the south and west. While mild conditions might occasionally encroach into southern and southwestern areas, the overall trend is toward colder weather, increasing the risk of snow. Initially, this is most likely across hills in Scotland and northern England, but it could extend to other regions, including the Midlands, as the period progresses.
Residents across the Midlands are advised to stay updated with the latest forecasts and prepare for potential travel disruptions and hazardous conditions during this predicted 66-hour snow event.
