UK Snow Bomb to Strike Northern England and Scotland Within 30 Hours
A significant winter weather event, described as a snow bomb, is set to impact the United Kingdom, with forecasts indicating it will begin within the next 30 hours. The system is expected to create a pronounced north-south divide across the country, affecting approximately half of England alongside Scotland while sparing southern regions.
Timeline and Intensity of the Incoming Snowfall
According to meteorological data, the first signs of snowfall are anticipated from 6pm on Monday, January 26, with conditions intensifying throughout Tuesday, January 27. Maps from WX Charts indicate that snow could fall at rates of around 10cm per hour during peak periods, particularly around 6pm on Tuesday as temperatures plummet.
Separate forecasts from the Met Office corroborate this timeline, suggesting the snow event will commence just 30 hours from the initial reports. The intensity is expected to increase significantly as the system moves across affected areas.
Geographical Impact and Regional Variations
The snow bomb is forecast to create a clear geographical split across the UK. Northern regions will bear the brunt of the winter weather, while southern areas are expected to experience much milder conditions.
Areas at risk include:
- Northern Scotland, including Wick, John O'Groats, and Ullapool
- Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent in the West Midlands
- Cheshire, Lancashire, and Greater Manchester
- Cumbria, Durham, Northumberland, and Yorkshire
Regions likely to be spared include:
- All areas south of Stoke-on-Trent
- Southern England
- Southern Wales
- Birmingham, Solihull, Warwickshire, Worcestershire, Shropshire, and Herefordshire
Snowfall Depths and Temperature Forecasts
Depth charts from WX Charts, which utilise Met Desk figures and data, indicate that the deepest snowfall will occur in Scotland. The Cairngorms National Park could see accumulations of up to 72cm during the event.
Temperature maps show that the affected northern regions will experience lows of around -1°C, while southern England will see milder conditions with temperatures ranging from -1°C to highs of 7°C.
Weather Expert Confirms Early Predictions
James Madden from Exacta Weather has confirmed that his earlier predictions are materialising, posting photos of snowfall from Sunday, January 25. He noted heavy snow falling across higher ground in Aviemore and the Cairngorms area, describing these as the first wintry scenes of what is expected to be several days of challenging weather conditions.
The meteorological community continues to monitor the situation closely as the snow bomb approaches, with residents in affected areas advised to prepare for potentially disruptive winter conditions.
