Fresh weather warnings indicate that significant snowfall is likely to return to Birmingham and the wider West Midlands region before the end of January. This follows a period of heavy snow earlier in the month and the disruptive passage of Storm Goretti.
Exact Dates and Times for Predicted Snowfall
According to detailed projections from the UK-based forecaster Netweather, there is a 95% chance of snowfall across Birmingham on January 26, 27, and 28. The initial flurries are currently forecast to begin in the early hours of Monday, January 26, potentially arriving around midnight.
The Met Office's broader outlook supports this trend towards colder conditions. A spokesperson confirmed there is an increased likelihood of a widespread cold snap developing towards the month's end, which raises the potential for snow across many parts of the country.
The Impact of Storm Goretti and the Colder Shift
This new snow threat comes in the wake of Storm Goretti, which the Met Office classified as a "multi-hazard event." Earlier in January, the storm battered the south-west of England with gusts approaching 100mph, prompting a rare red warning for dangerously stormy winds.
For the West Midlands specifically, the Met Office's January forecast suggests temperatures will generally be around or slightly above average initially. However, it notes: "There is then an increased chance that conditions will turn more widely colder and drier. This aspect of the forecast is still somewhat uncertain but the potential transition to colder weather also increases the chance of snow across parts of the country."
What to Expect in the Coming Days
Residents across Birmingham and the West Midlands are advised to monitor the latest forecasts closely as the situation develops. Key points to note include:
- High Probability: Netweather's 95% confidence level for snow from January 26-28.
- Timing: Snow could arrive as early as 12am on Monday, January 26.
- Uncertainty: The Met Office emphasises that the transition to colder weather is not yet guaranteed, but the risk is growing.
Preparation is recommended for potential travel disruption and colder conditions as the final week of January approaches.
