Weather maps are indicating a significant wintry outbreak across the United Kingdom next week, with blizzard-like conditions and heavy snowfall predicted to blanket as many as fifteen major cities.
Widespread Snowfall Expected Across Northern Regions
The latest meteorological data from WXCharts, based on MetDesk information, suggests a substantial snow event will impact numerous urban centres between Wednesday, February 4, and Thursday, February 5. The affected areas span Scotland, Northern Ireland, and northern England, with the Scottish Highlands expected to bear the brunt of the accumulation.
Cities Forecast for Significant Snowfall
The following urban areas are currently projected to experience notable snow cover during this period:
- Aberdeen
- Dundee
- Glasgow
- Newcastle
- Belfast
- Blackpool
- Manchester
- Stoke-on-Trent
- Birmingham
- Norwich
- Ipswich
Forecasters anticipate that some elevated regions within the Scottish Highlands could receive accumulations reaching up to nineteen inches, while parts of the Pennines and surrounding areas might see around seven inches of fresh snow.
Storm Chandra Complicates Weather Picture
This developing snow event follows closely on the heels of Storm Chandra, which is expected to bring its own hazards to the UK early next week. The Met Office has already issued nine separate weather warnings for Tuesday as the nation prepares for this third major storm system of January, following previous disruptions caused by Storms Goretti and Ingrid.
Met Office Chief Forecaster Paul Gundersen provided detailed analysis of the impending conditions, stating: "Storm Chandra will bring a range of hazards to the UK through Monday night and Tuesday. Initially strong winds will impact the Isles of Scilly, western Cornwall and southwest Wales which are still vulnerable after Storm Goretti, with gusts of 70 to 80mph possible here."
Gundersen further explained the transition to wintry precipitation: "As Chandra interacts with colder air further north, snow becomes a hazard, with 10-20cm of snow possibly accumulating over higher ground in the Pennines, southern Scotland and the Highlands. With a complex spell of weather, it's important people stay up to date with the forecast and any warnings in your area."
Regional Variations in Forecast
While northern regions prepare for significant snowfall, meteorological models suggest that London and other parts of southern England will likely avoid the snow, instead experiencing periods of rain. This precipitation falling on already saturated ground creates additional flooding concerns, particularly in Dorset and southern parts of Devon, Somerset, and Cornwall.
Long-Range Forecast Indicates Continued Volatility
In its extended outlook covering Saturday, January 31, through Monday, February 9, the Met Office indicates that Atlantic weather systems will continue to push in from the west. These systems are expected to stall over the UK due to high-pressure areas positioned to the north and north-east.
The national weather service elaborated on this pattern: "As a result, further spells of rain or showers as well as strong winds are expected at times. Rain may be heavy and persistent, especially in the south and west. Whilst mild conditions are expected to encroach into the south and southwest at times, cold air is likely to be positioned to the northeast, bringing wintry showers at times."
The forecast concludes with a note about the snow risk: "Where fronts from the southwest do reach the cold air towards the northeast, there is the risk of some snow, most likely across hills, but perhaps extending to lower areas at times."
Residents across affected regions are advised to monitor official weather warnings closely and prepare for potential travel disruptions and hazardous conditions as this complex weather pattern develops over the coming days.
