Britain is set for a severe winter shock later this month as fresh weather data predicts a biting Arctic blast will bring heavy snowfall and plummeting temperatures to a dozen counties.
Deep Freeze and Heavy Snow Forecast
According to the latest maps from forecasters WXCharts, a significant wintry outbreak is scheduled to sweep across the UK on Thursday, January 15. The most intense conditions are expected in Scotland, where thermometers could plunge to a bone-chilling -8°C.
The most dramatic snow accumulations are predicted for central Scotland, particularly within Cairngorms National Park. Forecast models indicate snow depths here could reach a staggering 28 centimetres (11 inches). Wider northern and central regions of Scotland are braced for accumulations ranging from 3cm to 27cm.
Regions on Alert for Disruption
The cold snap will not be confined to Scotland. Southern parts of the country can expect lighter snowfall of up to 2cm, while the Lake District in Cumbria is also forecast to see around 1cm of snow.
Alongside the snow, a sharp temperature divide will grip the nation. While Scottish cities like Aberdeen and Glasgow will see readings hover between -1°C and -7°C, northern England will experience temperatures of 0°C to -2°C. The remainder of England, Wales, and Northern Ireland will see milder, but still cold, conditions between 1°C and 5°C.
The following 12 counties have been identified as being in the path of the incoming snow:
- Angus
- Aberdeenshire
- Moray
- Highland
- Argyll and Bute
- Perth and Kinross
- Stirling
- Dumfries and Galloway
- Scottish Borders
- South Lanarkshire
- Cumbria
- Tyrone
Met Office Outlook for the Period
The Met Office's broader outlook for this period suggests changeable and occasionally unsettled conditions across the UK. It states that low-pressure systems moving in from the Atlantic will dominate, bringing showers or longer spells of rain for many areas.
"Some heavy rain or showers are likely at times, most often across high ground in the west where rainfall totals will probably be highest," the forecast notes. "Periods of strong wind or gales are possible, especially around coasts." The Met Office adds that temperatures overall are expected to be close to or slightly above average for the time of year, indicating the severe cold may be relatively short-lived.
This impending freeze follows recent disruption caused by Storm Goretti and serves as a stark reminder of winter's potential grip as we move deeper into January. Residents in the affected counties are advised to monitor forecasts and prepare for possible travel disruption due to ice and snow.
