Weather forecasting maps have identified specific towns across the West Midlands region that could be blanketed by up to 3 centimetres (1.1 inches) of snowfall during the second week of February. According to detailed projections from WX Charts, a significant band of wintry precipitation is expected to sweep across the area.
Timing and Coverage of the Expected Snow Event
The meteorological data indicates that the snowfall is scheduled to commence from 6pm on Wednesday, February 11, persisting through until midnight on Thursday, February 12. The weather system is projected to create a substantial purple band on forecasting maps, stretching geographically from North Wales across to Bedfordshire.
Specific Town Forecasts and Accumulation Predictions
This wintry mass will directly impact several counties including Shropshire, Staffordshire, the West Midlands metropolitan area, Worcestershire, and Warwickshire. Within Birmingham itself, initial snowfall of approximately 0.9cm is anticipated at 6pm on February 11, potentially increasing to around 1.9cm (0.7 inches) by midnight on February 12.
The neighbouring Black Country region, encompassing Wolverhampton and Dudley, is forecast to receive approximately 1.5cm of snow at the Wednesday evening commencement, with accumulations potentially reaching 1.6cm by the early hours of Thursday morning.
Regional Variations in Snowfall Predictions
Further west, specific locations in Shropshire including Ludlow, alongside Tenbury Wells just across the Worcestershire border, could experience the maximum predicted accumulation of 3cm beginning at 6pm on February 11. Moving northwards, Cannock Chase in Staffordshire and Royal Leamington Spa in Warwickshire are both forecast to receive approximately 1.9cm of snowfall arriving around midnight on February 12.
Meteorological Context and Broader Weather Patterns
The Met Office has issued warnings regarding potential winter hazards that could affect southern parts of the United Kingdom during this same period. Forecasters have explained that frontal systems developing over the Atlantic Ocean, guided by a southward-shifted jet stream, are likely to approach the UK but may stall when encountering blocking high-pressure systems to the north and northeast.
This meteorological configuration is expected to result in further periods of rainfall across areas already vulnerable to flooding concerns. As these rain bands progress northward, they may encounter colder air masses, creating potential for snow across northern England and Scotland, particularly over elevated terrain.
Extended Forecast Considerations
During the second week of February, a subtle southward shift of these low-pressure areas is anticipated, which could facilitate the spread of colder air across more extensive parts of the UK. This development would consequently increase the likelihood of wintry hazards, including snow and ice, affecting southern regions for a temporary period.
The combination of detailed local forecasting from WX Charts and broader meteorological analysis from the Met Office suggests that residents across the West Midlands should prepare for potentially disruptive winter weather conditions in mid-February.
