Britons are set to experience heavy snowfall up to 27cm deep from two blizzards as a -7C Arctic chill sweeps through the nation. Following a relatively milder week following a frosty start to 2026, forecasts indicate that people should be prepared with hats and gloves as more wintry weather is expected throughout January.
Maps show low-pressure systems moving in from the north and west, ushering in unsettled conditions and snow where cold Arctic air meets moisture moving southwards. Towards the end of January, heavy snow is anticipated as a low-pressure system affects the weather while traversing the country from the Atlantic, bringing two successive blizzards. On January 27 at 6 am, the low-pressure center is projected over Ireland, with heavy rain forecasted for most of England and Wales, and snowfall expected in central Scotland.
As the system progresses across the UK, it will bring further rain and snow for a significant portion of Scotland and Wales. Overnight into January 28, as the system moves away, another wave of snow and rain is predicted to arrive. A snow map for 9 am on January 28 indicates 26cm of snow in central Scotland, with flurries covering much of the country, accompanied by frigid temperatures dropping to -7C in the northern regions.
The Met Office reports a clash between a high-pressure system bringing colder conditions and lows advancing from the Atlantic. From January 21-30, the weather agency forecasts a battle between Atlantic weather systems pushing in from the west and high pressure combined with colder conditions from the east. Initially, milder air from the Atlantic is expected to dominate, maintaining cloudy and changeable conditions with showers or longer periods of rain, wetter in the west and drier in the east. Overall temperatures are likely to be average with potential night frosts in clearer areas. Towards the latter part of the period, a shift to colder weather is anticipated, increasing the likelihood of snow across various parts of the country.