Britain is bracing for a second major snowstorm, with new weather maps indicating a powerful blizzard could bury major cities, including London, as early as next week.
Widespread Snow Set to Hit from January 9
According to the latest modelling, a significant band of snow is forecast to sweep across the country from the early hours of Friday, January 9, 2026. Wintry conditions could arrive as soon as 6am that morning, disrupting the morning commute. The snowfall is expected to be widespread, turning cities from London to Glasgow white.
The maps suggest snow depths will vary dramatically. London could wake up to around 5cm (two inches) of snow, while areas between Bristol and Southampton may see slightly more at 6cm. Parts of Somerset, including Taunton, could receive up to 8cm (three inches).
Scotland Braces for Heaviest Snowfall
The most staggering accumulations are predicted for Scotland. The modelling indicates higher ground in the Scottish Highlands could be buried under up to 39cm (around 15 inches) of snow. Aberdeen may face totals of approximately 34cm (13 inches), with lighter but still significant snowfall expected in Glasgow and other central areas.
The snow band is projected to be most active during the Friday morning rush hour before weakening and drifting eastwards by midday. Conditions are expected to ease into the evening.
Cities in the Firing Line
The first wave of flurries is predicted to push into the south-east and south-west, affecting:
- London
- Bristol
- Southampton
- Plymouth
- Swansea
Simultaneously, snowfall is expected across the Midlands, Wales, and Scotland. Areas like Shropshire, Wolverhampton, and parts of Liverpool could see snow from 6am. Further north, Glasgow and the Scottish Highlands will face accumulating snowfall.
By January 10, maps show more than half of the UK potentially under snow, including all of Scotland, wide areas of the North East, and much of southern England and Wales. Other cities highlighted include:
- Newcastle, Leeds, Middlesbrough, Bradford, and Manchester in the north.
- Oxford, Luton, Reading, Bath, and Portsmouth in the south.
- Cardiff and Newport in Wales.
- Belfast may see lighter snow showers.
Met Office Issues Warnings and Long-Range Forecast
This new threat follows an existing spell of cold weather. The Met Office has already issued snow and ice warnings across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, lasting from the start of January until Sunday.
In its long-range forecast for January 6 to January 15, the Met Office states that while cold northerly winds should ease mid-next week, bands of rain moving in from the Atlantic could turn to snow as they meet the entrenched cold air.
"Some further snowfall is possible, particularly in central and eastern areas, with rain more likely in the west," the forecast reads. It adds that from next weekend, the outlook becomes uncertain but there remains "potential for further spells of snow, especially in northern and central areas."
Residents across the UK are advised to monitor forecasts closely and prepare for potentially severe travel disruption next Friday as the nation faces the prospect of a second major winter blast.
