Fresh weather data indicates that just two counties in England are poised to escape a substantial snow event expected to blanket much of the United Kingdom within hours. According to the latest projections, Cornwall and Devon will remain largely unaffected by the incoming winter weather, while regions including the West Midlands prepare for significant snowfall and potential disruption.
Widespread Snowfall Forecast for Multiple Regions
Snow coverage maps from WX Charts, utilising Met Desk meteorological data, show extensive snowfall hitting the UK on Tuesday, January 27. The visual representations have turned bright white across numerous areas, indicating intense and heavy precipitation expected to affect multiple counties throughout England.
Areas Most at Risk from Incoming Weather System
The weather models, based on the GFS forecasting system, highlight several regions that will bear the brunt of this winter event. Affected areas include:
- The North East of England
- The North West region
- Both the East Midlands and West Midlands
Specific counties expected to experience substantial snowfall include Cumbria, Northumberland, Durham, Yorkshire, Manchester, Lancashire, Cheshire, Staffordshire, the West Midlands conurbation, and Derbyshire. Additionally, weather forecasters predict snow flurries for north Wales and central parts of England, particularly eastern regions such as Norfolk and Suffolk in East Anglia.
Timing and Progression of Winter Weather Event
Meteorological maps illustrate a substantial band of snow sweeping across the United Kingdom from midday on January 27. This weather system, developing from approximately 12 noon, means affected areas will include the Greater London region and surrounding Home Counties.
The Two Counties Avoiding Winter Disruption
Despite widespread snowfall predictions, two English counties appear set to avoid the worst of the winter conditions. Forecast estimations indicate that Cornwall and Devon in England, along with south Wales, will experience drier weather during this period.
On weather mapping systems, these areas appear as grey zones, showing no anticipated accumulations of snow. This meteorological pattern means residents and infrastructure in Cornwall and Devon will be spared the disruption expected elsewhere across the country.
Extended Weather Outlook Beyond Immediate Forecast
The BBC Weather team has provided additional insight into conditions expected from February 2 onwards. Their analysis suggests: "A similar set-up is expected during the second week of February, but it will still be finely balanced."
Meteorologists indicate there could be a stronger push of high pressure from northern and north-eastern directions toward the UK, potentially allowing colder air to dominate temporarily. This atmospheric pattern might result in temperatures falling below seasonal averages even in southern UK regions.
The forecast suggests somewhat drier and brighter conditions could develop as a consequence, though wintry showers remain possible. More widespread bands of rain and hill snow might still attempt to move into the country from southern and western directions.
Potential Weather Transition in Coming Weeks
Weather patterns are expected to change at some point, with increasing chances of milder air moving farther north and east as time progresses. This transition would likely bring wetter weather conditions across affected regions.
As a result, bands of rain should return to forecast models, possibly preceded by hill snow in elevated areas. Milder weather conditions would take the longest time to reach Scotland according to current projections. Meteorological questions remain regarding the precise timing of this anticipated weather transition across the United Kingdom.
