Meteorological data indicates that eight counties across England are set to experience a sustained period of snowfall lasting for six hours during the early hours of Friday, January 30th. Weather modelling systems have pinpointed these areas for significant wintry precipitation, with the event expected to commence at 3am and continue through until 9am.
Detailed Snowfall Timeline and Affected Regions
According to the latest projections from WX Charts, which utilises Met Desk data through the sophisticated ECMWF HRES modelling system, the snowfall will initially concentrate across northern counties. The precipitation maps show substantial white coverage developing from 3am, with the intensity increasing steadily until approximately 6am.
Geographical Progression of the Snow Event
The meteorological data reveals a clear progression pattern for this winter weather event. Initially, the heaviest snowfall will be confined primarily to the north-west regions of England during the early morning hours. However, as the system develops, the flurries are forecast to gradually shift southward and eastward.
This movement will bring significant snowfall to the Midlands region, before eventually reaching coastal areas along England's eastern shoreline. The entire weather event is expected to span exactly six hours, providing a substantial accumulation window for the affected counties.
Complete List of Affected Counties
The eight counties identified for this sustained snowfall period include:
- Cheshire
- Cumbria
- Greater Manchester
- Lancashire
- Norfolk
- Nottinghamshire
- The West Midlands conurbation
- Yorkshire
It's important to note that the West Midlands conurbation encompasses multiple urban areas, including the cities of Birmingham and Wolverhampton, along with surrounding towns such as Solihull, Sutton Coldfield, and the broader Black Country region.
Broader Weather Context and Extended Forecast
Meteorological experts are providing additional context about the wider weather patterns affecting the United Kingdom. Jo Farrow from Netweather TV has highlighted that another weather system, referred to as Low3, will approach Cornwall during Thursday afternoon before moving into Devon, south-west Wales, and Northern Ireland.
Wind conditions are expected to vary significantly across different regions. While much of Britain will experience only light easterly or south-easterly winds on Thursday, Northern Ireland is forecast to become increasingly blustery. The north and eastern coastal areas of Ireland will see winds strengthening throughout Thursday, with fresh and gusty conditions developing across Northern Ireland and the Irish Sea ahead of the next frontal rain band.
Weekly Weather Outlook and Longer-Term Predictions
The BBC Weather team confirms that the current week will maintain its wet and occasionally windy character, with wintry precipitation expected on higher ground and potential icy conditions developing overnight in some areas. Looking further ahead, meteorologists anticipate somewhat milder conditions developing next week, though this reprieve may be temporary.
A subsequent colder spell is predicted to follow in the week after next, with this chillier period potentially lasting until at least mid-February. The BBC Weather team has indicated that Friday's detailed outlook will help confirm the timing of both the milder trend expected next week and the anticipated arrival of the following cold spell.
This comprehensive weather analysis underscores the importance of monitoring local forecasts and preparing for potentially disruptive winter conditions across multiple English counties this Friday.
