After a chilly start to 2026 that covered much of the UK in snow, the latest weather forecasts indicate that residents in 15 counties will face another snowstorm.
Recent weather maps highlight the regions likely to experience snow in the upcoming days, with areas in Scotland and Northern Ireland bracing for wintry weather. WXCharts data reveals ongoing snow coverage in the Scottish Highlands, with additional snowfall expected.
Following a period of extreme cold and widespread snow, a shift towards milder temperatures is anticipated across most of the UK this week. The updated weather projections suggest that 12 counties in Scotland could witness snowfall on Thursday, spanning from Inverness to Ayrshire.
While most snowfall is predicted to be light, with a gentle dusting of 1mm per hour or less, heavier snow conditions are expected in regions like Midlothian and West Lothian. In Northern Ireland, both County Antrim and County Down may also experience snowfall as per the latest maps.
England and Wales are likely to avoid snowfall, but the latest forecast indicates bands of rain moving across the UK, with coastal areas expected to be most affected. Moreover, more rain to the west is poised to sweep across the country. The Met Office forecasts “wet and windy weather pushing northeastwards” on Thursday.
This weather pattern is forecasted to be succeeded by blustery showers on Friday, with milder temperatures in the south. The Met Office has issued warnings about heavy rain, melting snow, and ice post-Storm Goretti, which could result in flooding in certain areas.
With gusts reaching up to 100mph and a rare red weather warning for “dangerous, stormy” winds in the South West, residents are advised to prepare for severe conditions. As temperatures rise once more, the Met Office cautions that snowmelt and a “rapid thaw” in the north combined with further rainfall may lead to flooding in select regions.