A significant Arctic blizzard is on the horizon for the UK, with most regions expected to be blanketed in snow in the coming days. Weather models from the GFS indicate that snowfall will commence in northern and western Scotland on January 7 before progressing southward to affect various major cities across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
By 6pm on January 8, snow showers are predicted to impact large parts of Wales and Belfast in Northern Ireland. Concurrently, light snow is anticipated in the northeast of England as the blizzard moves southward from Scotland.
Subsequent maps for midnight on January 8 show snowfall in southern England, with significant flurries projected for Bristol, Yorkshire, the Midlands, parts of Wales, and northeastern Scotland. London might face snow by the morning of January 9 as the weather system advances across southern England, with intense flurries expected in the northeast around 9 am.
Later on January 9, heavy snowfall is forecasted for northern England, including cities like Manchester, and North Wales by around 6 pm. Snow coverage maps illustrate the widespread impact of the blizzard, indicating snow accumulation in cities such as London, Southampton, Bristol, Cardiff, Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Belfast, Leeds, Newcastle, and Edinburgh by 9 pm on January 9.
The data suggests that up to 20cm of snow could settle in the Cairngorms National Park, while northern England and Wales may see accumulations of 7cm and 4cm respectively. The Met Office has also warned of potential snowfall at low levels early next month, with a forecast indicating a cold, showery period with wintry conditions, including possible snow in coastal areas. Temperatures are expected to remain below average in the coming days, with periods of settled weather interspersed with wintry hazards.