UK Weather: Chance of Snow Forecast with Temperatures to Plummet

UK Weather Forecast: Snow Chances and Temperature Plummets

The Met Office has issued a cold weather warning for the end of January, as colder temperatures are expected to return after Storm Goretti battered parts of the UK with wind, snow, and heavy rain earlier this month. This forecast indicates a significant shift in the atmospheric conditions, which could bring about an increased chance of snow across various regions.

Background on Storm Goretti

Described as a “multi-hazard event” by the Met Office, Storm Goretti brought gusts of almost 100mph and a rare red warning for “dangerous, stormy” winds in the southwest of England. The severe weather conditions caused widespread disruption, with thousands of children missing several days of school in northern Scotland due to wintry showers.

Forecast Details

The Met Office has stated that as of next week, the UK will “see a battle between Atlantic weather systems attempting to arrive from the west while high pressure and colder conditions attempt to exert some influence from the east.” Initially, milder Atlantic air is expected to dominate with cloudy, changeable conditions, showers, and average temperatures.

However, towards the end of the month, there is an increased chance that it will turn colder, with potential for snow. A spokesperson mentioned, “This aspect of the forecast is still somewhat uncertain but the potential transition to colder weather also increases the chance of snow across parts of the country.” Despite this, no weather warnings have been issued this week, and temperatures are predicted to stay between 4°C and 11°C across the UK.

Regional Impacts

The wettest weather is expected in western parts of the country, with drier conditions in the east. In the past, similar weather patterns have caused significant disruptions, such as the worst snowfall in a decade in the West Midlands, where 15-25cm of snow fell.

Meanwhile, earlier this month, temperatures in Scotland were impacted by freezing conditions, leading to the Met Office issuing yellow snow and ice warnings. These warnings are crucial for ensuring public safety during severe weather events.

Five-Day Weather Forecast

Today: Fog patches will slowly lift, although eastern areas are likely to remain rather dull. Elsewhere, it will be a day of sunny spells and showers with temperatures near normal.

Tonight: Variable amounts of cloud, with low cloud and fog becoming extensive across central and eastern parts of England. Thicker cloud will move into the south later, bringing outbreaks of rain.

Sunday: Cloudy with extensive areas of low cloud and fog, with the fog proving stubborn to clear across eastern England.

Elsewhere, outbreaks of rain will become slow-moving across western areas.

Outlook for Monday to Wednesday: A changeable few days ahead, often cloudy with some brighter spells and showery outbreaks of rain. Overnight fog may develop, particularly in the east. Some frost possible in the north.

The Met Office continues to monitor these conditions closely, providing regular updates to the public. With the potential for colder temperatures and snow, residents are advised to stay informed and prepare accordingly.