The UK is preparing for a significant winter onslaught, with forecasters warning that a ‘snow bomb’ has intensified to blizzard conditions and is set to strike from Thursday, January 15th. Fresh maps indicate heavy snowfall will blanket parts of the country, bringing a renewed threat of travel disruption just days after the last major storm.
Which Areas Face the Worst of the Wintry Blast?
Scotland and Northern Ireland are expected to bear the brunt of this severe weather event. Meteorological models highlight that as many as 12 counties are at particular risk of heavy snow accumulations and blustery conditions.
In Scotland, the counties earmarked for the most significant impact include:
- Aberdeenshire
- Ayrshire
- Banffshire
- Clackmannanshire
- Dunbartonshire
- Inverness-shire
- Lanarkshire
- Midlothian
- Nairnshire
- Perthshire
- Renfrewshire
- Stirlingshire
- West Lothian
Across the Irish Sea, County Antrim and County Down in Northern Ireland are also forecast to receive a substantial sprinkling of snow.
Forecast Details and Weather Warnings
According to data from WX Charts, which uses the GFS (Global Forecast System) model, the UK will see a dramatic return to wintry weather. The charts, now showing swathes of white, grey, and light blue, signify impending heavy snowfall. The most intense period is predicted to be around 6pm on Thursday, with households urged to stay informed and prepare for potential disruptions.
This new cold snap arrives shortly after Storm Goretti caused widespread travel chaos and disruption, particularly in areas like Birmingham. The Met Office indicates that while next week will remain unsettled with wind and rain, the UK is "saying goodbye to the really cold weather," according to forecaster Craig Snell. However, the interim period poses a significant snow threat.
BBC Weather Outlook for the Week
The BBC Weather team has issued its forecast for the coming days, leading up to the expected blizzard conditions. Monday, January 12th, will be windy with rain in north-west Scotland, breezy elsewhere with rain developing in the afternoon. Tuesday will see extensive cloud and outbreaks of rain affecting Wales, England, and southern Scotland.
Looking ahead to Wednesday through Friday, the outlook explains: "Wednesday will be mostly dry with some bright spells before a band of rain moves east. After a drier interlude overnight, Thursday looks to bring another pulse of rain and strengthening winds from the south, reaching far northern areas by evening." It is this system that is expected to bring the snow to northern regions. Friday should then transition to a drier and calmer day.
Residents in the affected counties are advised to monitor official weather warnings from the Met Office and plan journeys accordingly, as this snow bomb threatens to bring blizzard conditions and fresh travel woes to the UK.
