A significant amount of snow, reaching up to 19 inches, is anticipated to blanket various regions of the UK in January due to multiple blizzards approaching. The ECMWF weather model indicates that nearly all areas, except one, will experience snowfall, affecting major cities such as London, Birmingham, Cardiff, Manchester, Liverpool, Belfast, Leeds, Newcastle, Edinburgh, and Glasgow.
Initially, Scotland is expected to receive snow during the early days of January, but by January 7, wintry showers are predicted to move southward, impacting Northern Ireland, Wales, and England as well. By midday on January 7, snowfall rates could reach up to four inches per hour in the north-west of England and North Wales. Subsequently, heavy snow is forecasted in South Wales at midnight, with flurries affecting the south-west and the Midlands.
The heavy snowfall is then projected to travel eastward, affecting extensive areas of England, including parts of London, by 6 am on January 8. In central and eastern England, the snowfall intensity may reach around four inches per hour where flurries are most pronounced. Another wave of snow is expected to hit the north-east and Scotland on the evening of January 8, with additional flurries possible in Northern Ireland and parts of Wales around 6 pm.
Snow coverage charts indicate that nearly the entire country will experience snow during this period, with the exception of the very south of England by midday on January 8. Snow depth charts suggest substantial accumulations, with up to 48cm (19 inches) predicted in the far north of Scotland. Regions like the north-west of England, South Wales, and Northern Ireland could see accumulations up to 37cm (11 inches), 18cm (seven inches), and 16cm (six inches) respectively.
The Met Office has also confirmed the likelihood of snow in various parts of the country at the beginning of next month. The forecast for January 2 to 11 indicates cold northerly winds bringing wintry showers, including snow, to exposed coastlines and inland areas. Towards the latter part of the period, slightly milder conditions may attempt to move in from the west.
Moreover, an amber cold health alert has been issued for the North East and North West of England from 8 pm today to 12 pm on January 5, with temperatures expected to drop to around 3-5C. The UKHSA has warned of significant impacts on health and social care services due to the weather, potentially leading to a rise in fatalities among vulnerable individuals.
