Fresh snowfall is poised to sweep across the Midlands this week, with new interactive weather maps revealing precisely where and when the wintry conditions will strike.
Weekend Onset and Travel Disruption Warning
The latest forecasts indicate that snow will begin moving into the region from the west on Sunday afternoon, intensifying into the evening. This timing raises significant concerns for Monday morning's commute, as many residents head back to work after the Christmas break, with the potential for travel chaos on roads and public transport.
The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for snow and ice covering the entire Midlands, effective from Sunday night. In their forecast, they stated: "Snow showers are expected to push further inland across Wales, parts of north-west England, the West Midlands and south-west England during Sunday afternoon and evening."
Expected Snowfall Accumulations
While not every location will be blanketed, the Met Office predicts that 1-3 cm of snow could accumulate widely by Monday morning. There is a potential for more significant build-ups, with 5-8 cm possible in a few spots, particularly across inland and higher areas. The forecaster also warned that "icy stretches are likely to form widely" as temperatures plummet.
Further Flurries Later in the Week
The wintry weather is not expected to be a one-off event. Current projections suggest that parts of the region could see more snow return on Thursday and Friday. For instance, data from weather stations in Leek, Staffordshire, indicates the likelihood of heavy snow on Thursday followed by lighter flurries on Friday.
However, the picture remains uncertain for some areas. Cities like Birmingham in the West Midlands might escape the worst of the later snowfall, although forecasters caution that conditions could still change before the end of the week.
Residents across the Midlands are advised to stay updated with the latest travel information and weather warnings, and to prepare for potentially hazardous conditions on roads and pavements early next week.
