Four-Day Snow Blizzard Forecast to Hit Major UK Cities with 28-Inch Accumulations
Advanced weather modelling maps indicate that the United Kingdom could soon face a significant four-day snow blizzard, with flurries expected to impact several major urban centres. The forecast suggests that this prolonged wintry event will bring substantial accumulations, particularly in northern regions, while also threatening cities further south.
Timeline and Geographic Spread of the Snow Event
According to the GFS weather model, the snow is projected to commence in Scotland on February 13, before gradually progressing southwards across the country. By 6am on February 14, the most intense snowfall is anticipated around Glasgow and in the north-east of England, placing cities like Newcastle and Edinburgh directly in the path of the storm. Parts of Yorkshire are also expected to be affected during this initial phase.
The snowfall is forecast to persist in Scotland and the north-east throughout February 15, before drifting southward to encompass the rest of England and Wales by February 16. At 3am on February 16, modelling indicates snow falling in Manchester, with Northern Ireland potentially seeing flurries around the same time. By midday, Wales, the Midlands, and parts of southern-central England could all experience wintry showers, with major cities including Birmingham, Cardiff, and possibly London facing disruptions.
Projected Snow Accumulations and Coverage
Snow depth charts reveal that the greatest accumulations are likely in the Scottish Highlands, where up to 72cm (28 inches) might settle. The North Pennines could see accumulations of around 21cm (eight inches). Coverage maps suggest that by 9pm on February 16, snow could be settled on the ground across all of Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales, most of northern England, parts of the Midlands, and some southern areas.
Met Office Outlook and Wintry Hazards
The Met Office has corroborated the potential for disruptive snow later this month, warning of ‘wintry hazards’ even in southern regions. Its forecast for February 7 to 16 states that frontal systems over the Atlantic, steered by a south-shifted jet stream, are likely to approach the UK but may stall against a blocking area of high pressure to the north and northeast. This scenario could result in further spells of rain, with snow possible in northern England and Scotland, mainly over higher ground, as these bands encounter colder air.
The Met Office adds that a subtle shift southwards of low-pressure areas during the second week of February may allow colder air to spread across larger parts of the UK, including the south, increasing the risk of wintry hazards. For the period February 17 to March 3, the forecast indicates that a south-shifted jet stream is likely to persist, steering areas of low pressure towards and south of the UK. This is expected to bring further wet and windy weather, with rain most frequent in the south and west, and some hill snow possible in northern parts as the wet weather meets colder air. Temperatures are projected to be close to average for most areas, but perhaps a little below in the northeast initially.
This extended forecast underscores the potential for significant disruption across the UK, with residents advised to monitor updates and prepare for challenging travel conditions and possible infrastructure impacts during this prolonged snow event.
