The Met Office has issued a fresh warning that colder conditions and the risk of snow could be on their way back to the United Kingdom in the coming weeks.
Battle of the weather fronts
In its latest long-range forecast, covering the period from Monday, January 19, to Wednesday, January 28, the national weather service predicts a climatic tug-of-war. Atlantic weather systems from the west will fight for dominance against colder high pressure attempting to push in from the east.
Initially, milder and wetter Atlantic air is expected to be in charge. This will bring changeable conditions with showers or longer spells of rain for many, with the wettest weather likely in western parts of the country. Temperatures during this phase are forecast to be around the seasonal average.
Increased chance of cold and snow
The forecast takes a notable turn later in the period. The Met Office states there is an 'increased chance' that conditions will turn colder. While this aspect remains uncertain, meteorologists confirm that this potential shift significantly raises the risk of snow across parts of Britain.
Looking further ahead, from Thursday, January 29, to Thursday, February 12, the weather patterns are expected to evolve slowly. The most probable setup involves low pressure to the west or southwest and high pressure to the northeast of the UK.
Potential for wintry hazards
This specific atmospheric configuration increases the chance of cold conditions affecting the UK, bringing with it the associated risk of wintry hazards at times. The forecast explicitly mentions this link between colder weather and the potential for snow.
Deeper into February, confidence in the details is low, but the Met Office suggests a possible transition back to more widely unsettled and milder conditions, with temperatures recovering closer to the average for the time of year.
This alert follows a period of disruptive weather, including Storm Goretti last week, which brought public transport to a standstill in some areas. Residents are advised to stay updated with the latest forecasts as the situation develops.
