Britons are preparing for an impending severe storm that is expected to affect various regions of the country towards the end of the upcoming week.
Weather charts from WXCharts indicate a significant band of precipitation moving across the entire nation on Saturday, January 17. The precipitation is anticipated to include snow over elevated areas, with regions in England, Scotland, and Wales projected to experience snow accumulations of up to 10 inches (25cm).
The charts illustrate the progression of rain and snow sweeping across Britain on the evening of the following Saturday, with substantial downpours predicted in the southern and western parts of England. In northern areas and elevated terrain, the precipitation is forecasted to fall as snow, covering locations such as the Peak District and the Yorkshire Dales in England, as well as parts of north-western Wales, particularly Snowdonia.
During the overnight period transitioning into Sunday morning, the weather front is set to traverse the British Isles from west to east, leaving snowfall in its wake across many regions. By early Sunday morning, the rain and snow band is expected to have largely moved away from the UK, though heavy snowfall may persist in regions like the Scottish Highlands and areas around Newcastle in North East England.
Snowfall is also predicted in southern Wales, with areas near the Brecon Beacons likely to experience substantial snow accumulation. Later on Sunday, snow is forecasted to return, with snowfall expected in the midlands and even reaching as far south as London by 3pm.
By Sunday afternoon, a significant portion of the UK is likely to be blanketed in snow, ranging from one to ten inches in various areas. The deepest snowfall is anticipated over the Cairngorms in the eastern Scottish Highlands, with up to 10 inches expected to cover the highest peaks by the end of the following weekend.
Additionally, the Met Office’s long-range forecast for the same period, spanning from Friday, January 16 to Sunday, January 25, suggests that the weather will remain changeable and unsettled. Low-pressure systems moving in from the Atlantic are expected to bring showers or prolonged periods of rain across many regions, with the potential for heavy rainfall in any area at times. Windy conditions may also occur intermittently, with temperatures likely to be near normal overall, though occasional colder spells may affect northern areas.