Britons should brace for significant snowfall of up to 83cm by the end of the current month, with wintry conditions expected to persist through February, as per forecasts from both the Met Office and BBC.
Following a cold start to January with widespread snow and ice alerts, a return to freezing temperatures is anticipated after a brief milder spell. Weather models indicate low-pressure systems moving in from the north and west towards the end of January, colliding with cold Arctic air to bring unsettled conditions.
A weather map for January 31 depicts heavy snowfall in much of England and Wales, with potential flurries across the UK. Scotland could see up to 83cm of snow, while Wales and northwest England may expect 44cm and 32cm respectively.
Moving into February, temperatures are likely to hover around or dip below zero, with the Met Office highlighting an elevated risk of cold weather and wintry conditions due to the interplay of low and high-pressure systems. The BBC also warns of wintry weather conditions on the horizon.
The Met Office’s outlook for the period from January 30 to February 13 suggests a continued presence of low-pressure systems to the west or southwest of the UK, alongside high-pressure systems to the northeast. This setup increases the likelihood of cold conditions and wintry hazards, with a potential shift towards more unsettled weather by mid-February.
The BBC notes uncertainty for early February, with a possibility of below-average temperatures. Two scenarios are being considered for the period from January 26 to February 8, with one scenario suggesting easterly flows and colder temperatures, while the other scenario hints at milder and unsettled conditions if Atlantic frontal systems advance further into northwest Europe.
Despite the uncertainty, a transition to milder and wetter conditions could occur by the end of the first week of February.