The UK is bracing for a major winter onslaught, with forecasters predicting a 600-mile 'snow bomb' will strike within days. The significant wintry blast, charted by advanced weather models, could rival the disruptive conditions of the infamous 'Beast from the East' in 2018.
Exact Timing and Duration of the Snow Bomb
According to data from WX Charts, the widespread snow event is forecast to begin at 6am on Friday, January 23, 2026. The agency uses sophisticated meteorological modelling to map upcoming conditions, and its current projections show the country turning white under the snowfall.
The snow is expected to persist for a total of three days, continuing through Saturday, January 24, and Sunday, January 25. This prolonged period of wintry weather threatens to bring travel chaos, echoing the disruption caused last week by Storm Goretti.
Potential to Rival Historic Winter Blasts
Some reports suggest the scale of this incoming weather system could be comparable to the Beast from the East that crippled parts of the nation in early 2018. That event saw some regions buried under 20 inches (approximately 50 cm) of snow, with blizzard-like conditions causing widespread transport cancellations and school closures.
The new snow bomb, indicated by maps glowing white on WX Charts, threatens similar blizzard conditions. Its 600-mile span means a vast swathe of the country could be impacted, though exact accumulation levels will become clearer as the event approaches.
Official Warnings and Flood Risk Following Thaw
The Met Office has issued its own guidance as the weather pattern shifts. Chief Meteorologist Matthew Lehnert explained that a transition is underway. "We’ll see a transition in our weather across the UK through Sunday, with mild Atlantic air moving in from the west," he stated.
He confirmed that temperatures will rise, bringing rain and strong winds, particularly in the north. Warnings are already in place for heavy, persistent rain and strong gusts in western and northern Scotland.
Mr. Lehnert issued a crucial warning about flooding: "While the wintry weather may have come to an end, the significant snow accumulations in parts of Scotland mixed with heavy rainfall and an increase in temperatures bring a risk of flooding in some areas as the snow melts." He urged the public to keep up to date with warnings from the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA).
David Morgan, SEPA Flood Duty Manager, echoed this concern. "Continuing heavy rain, combined with melting snow, increases the risk of flooding. Flood risk is greatest in Dumfries and Galloway, and the west and north of Scotland," he said.
He warned of possible impacts including flooding in communities, on low-lying land, transport infrastructure, and individual properties, noting that driving conditions will be very difficult at times. Both officials directed residents to check the relevant live flooding information pages for the latest updates.
