Parts of England could see the first week of 2026 begin under a fresh blanket of snow, according to the latest weather projections. Forecasters are predicting a wintry start to the New Year for several counties.
Which Areas Are Set For Snow?
Detailed weather maps from forecaster WX Charts, which uses Metdesk data, have turned a distinctive purple, indicating the arrival of snowfall. The data points to Saturday, January 3, as the most likely date for the white stuff to arrive.
The charts show three distinct purple patches forming over the South West and South of England. The counties expected to be affected are:
- Gloucestershire
- Herefordshire
- Oxfordshire
According to the modelling, the snow is predicted to begin falling from 12am on January 3.
Met Office Outlook For The Festive Period
The national forecaster has provided its own outlook for the broader period. For the stretch between Christmas Eve, December 24, and January 2, the Met Office suggests there could be a few wintry showers across southern and eastern parts of the country.
"Temperatures will be below average much of the time, with frost likely where clear skies and light winds prevail," a Met Office spokesperson said.
Potential Hazards As High Pressure Dominates
Looking further ahead into the first half of January, from January 2 to 16, the forecast becomes more complex. The Met Office indicates that high pressure will probably be positioned close to the UK, potentially centred to the west.
This setup could bring initially settled and dry conditions, raising the risk of frost and fog. However, occasional wet weather remains possible, especially in northern and eastern regions.
The forecaster added a note of caution: "Given some relatively cold air close to the UK, this may bring the chance of some wintry hazards in places." Towards the middle of the month, conditions may become more changeable, though confidence in this part of the forecast is currently described as low.
Residents in the affected counties are advised to stay updated with the latest local forecasts as the New Year approaches, particularly if they have travel plans in early January.
