A sharp return to wintry conditions is on the horizon for large parts of the UK. Forecasts suggest the next major snowfall will affect much of southern and central England, with flurries spreading across a vast area from Devon in the south-west to Staffordshire in the Midlands.
The snow is predicted to settle over a 72-hour period, bringing disruption across southern England and Wales. The temperature plunge and extensive snow coverage come as much of northern Scotland remains under existing weather alerts, underlining the severity of the conditions expected nationwide.
Widespread Snowfall from Devon to Staffordshire
According to WX Charts, which has based its projections on data from Met Desk, snow is forecast to fall extensively between January 8 and 10. The snowfall is expected to sweep across southern regions, with coverage stretching from Greater London and the Home Counties to the south coast, including Devon and East Anglia. The snow band spans approximately 225 miles across England.
Projections from the GFS modelling system show snow flurries moving across a wide swathe of the country during the 72-hour window. Areas including Norfolk, Suffolk, and parts of the Midlands such as Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent are expected to be affected. Accumulation levels are expected to vary, although no specific figures were detailed for southern England.
The conditions could be more severe than those observed earlier in the week, where snow showers impacted several parts of the UK on Monday and Tuesday. The Met Office has advised the public to be prepared for hazardous driving conditions and possible power outages in affected areas. In regions with high snowfall potential, local authorities may issue further safety guidance.
Weather Alerts Remain in Place across the UK
While southern England prepares for the incoming snow, northern regions continue to experience adverse weather. Amber warnings for snow remain in effect across parts of northern Scotland until Tuesday evening, with less severe yellow warnings extending over much of the UK until late Tuesday morning. These warnings cover a range of potential impacts including travel disruption, icy conditions, and temporary loss of services.
According to the BBC Weather forecast, northern Scotland will see some lingering, mainly light snowfall on January 7. Other areas are expected to be dry, with occasional sunshine and variable cloud cover, though Northern Ireland and the south-west of England will become cloudier.
Looking ahead to the period between Thursday and Saturday (January 8 to 10), weather maps show a combination of rain and snow developing across southern and central England. According to the same source, rain is forecast to arrive from the west, with a likelihood of it turning to snow overnight. While the precise locations and intensities remain uncertain, the general outlook suggests wintry conditions will persist into the weekend.
In central and northern Scotland, snowfall is expected to remain heavier. Forecasts indicate that these areas may see between 5 and 10 centimetres of snow, with some locations possibly receiving up to 15 centimetres. These conditions have prompted continued warnings from the Met Office urging caution. The UK is facing a challenging spell of winter weather, with snow expected to affect both ends of the country. From travel disruptions to changing weather patterns, the coming days are likely to demand vigilance from residents across affected regions.
