Fresh weather data indicates that large parts of the United Kingdom are set for a substantial wintry blast in the new year, with blizzards forecast to sweep across England and significant snow accumulations expected nationwide.
Widespread Snowfall Predicted for Early January
According to the latest projections from WXCharts, generated on December 24 using Met Desk data, vast areas of the country will see snowfall by noon on Wednesday, January 7. The forecast suggests that almost half of England, along with the majority of Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, will be affected.
Precipitation is expected to start in England from around 6am on Tuesday, January 6. The snow, potentially falling as blizzards, is then predicted to spread gradually across the nation, persisting until at least the night of Thursday, January 8.
Regional Accumulations and Key Impact Zones
The forecast maps highlight several regions in England that are set to be hit hardest. These include:
- North West England
- North East England
- Yorkshire and the Humber
- West Midlands
- East Midlands
The South West and South East are expected to experience smaller, more scattered flurries.
The most significant accumulation in England is forecast to the west of Manchester, where up to 8 inches (20 cm) of snow could settle by midday on January 7. Another notable hotspot is the Humber Estuary area to the west of Hull, which could see up to 7 inches (18 cm).
Heavy Snow for Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland
The wintry weather will not be confined to England. Forecasts show that by the same time on January 7, the North West of Scotland could be buried under a staggering 22 inches (56 cm) of snow.
In Wales, the area around Aberystwyth may receive up to 5 inches (13 cm). For Northern Ireland, the worst of the conditions are anticipated in the northern parts of the province.
Met Office Long-Range Outlook
The Met Office's own long-range forecast for the period from Monday, December 29, to Wednesday, January 7, suggests a shift towards more unsettled conditions. Initially, high pressure is likely to keep things relatively calm. However, the forecast states: "Towards the first weekend of January, high pressure is likely to shift a little farther away from the UK, allowing a greater chance of more changeable conditions to develop."
This change is expected to bring an increased risk of rain or showers. Crucially, the Met Office adds: "...with cold air close to the UK, may bring some wintry hazards to some places. Temperatures will probably be near or slightly below average for this period overall." This aligns with the snow predictions from other forecasting models, indicating a period of potentially disruptive winter weather as the festive period concludes and 2026 begins.
