Major Snowfall Forecast for England as Arctic Weather Returns
Following the disruptive passage of Storm Chandra this week, meteorological models are predicting a substantial snow event set to impact a vast swathe of the United Kingdom. The focus of this impending winter weather is a forecasted 'snow bomb' anticipated to deliver significant accumulations across numerous regions, with a particular emphasis on England.
Exact Date and Predicted Impact
The precise date for this anticipated snowfall has been identified as February 9, 2026. According to analysis based on the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) modelling, a fresh band of Arctic air is expected to sweep across the country, continuing the bitterly cold start to the year. The maps indicate that snow will affect both Scotland and England extensively on this date.
While Scotland is projected to experience the most severe conditions, the forecast for England is notably significant. Models suggest that up to three inches of snow could blanket parts of the country. This weather system is forecast to impact approximately 90% of the UK, with a substantial blanket of snow expected to cover regions including the West Midlands and Birmingham.
Counties and Regions at Risk
The snowfall is not confined to a small area. Meteorological charts show a wide range of English counties are at risk of being covered. The areas highlighted include:
- Somerset
- The West Midlands
- Yorkshire
- Sussex
- Cambridgeshire
- Kent
Furthermore, an extensive list of additional counties has been identified as being under threat from this winter weather event. These include Durham, Cumbria, Northumberland, Essex, Cheshire, Warwickshire, Derbyshire, Herefordshire, Lancashire, Greater Manchester, Lincolnshire, Leicestershire, Greater London, Buckinghamshire, Nottinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Hampshire, Staffordshire, Shropshire, and Worcestershire. In total, 28 counties in England are forecast to be affected.
Context of Recent Storms
This forecast comes in the wake of Storm Chandra, which is currently affecting the UK. Jo Farrow, a forecaster from Netweather, provided context on the recent turbulent weather patterns. She explained that over the past few days, a low-pressure system to the southwest of the UK, combined with spring tides, has resulted in chaotic seas and coastal damage. This system was identified as Storm Ingrid, named by the Portuguese Met Service.
Farrow noted that this followed Storm Harry in the Mediterranean, which caused devastating flooding in North Africa and stormy conditions in Ibiza, Mallorca, Malta, Sicily, and Sardinia. These storms are part of the southwestern naming group, which has previously brought Storm Claudia in November and Storm Goretti this month, systems that were far enough north to influence UK weather.
The UK, Ireland, and the Netherlands operate within the Western naming group, which explains the progression to the letter 'C' for the current storm, Chandra, named after a moon god.
Official Outlook and Warnings
The Met Office has provided its own assessment of the immediate conditions. Their forecast indicates that rain and hill snow will clear to the north, turning drier for many areas, with only a few showers expected in the south. Winds are predicted to be strong in the north initially but will gradually ease. However, the longer-range models pointing to February 9 suggest a significant return of wintry conditions.
Residents across the identified counties, especially in the West Midlands, Yorkshire, and the South East, are advised to monitor official weather updates from the Met Office as the date approaches. The predicted snowfall of up to three inches has the potential to cause travel disruption and impact daily routines, marking a continuation of the cold spell that has characterised the beginning of 2026.
