Parts of the United Kingdom are bracing for heavy snowfall of up to 20 inches in the next few days as blizzards sweep across Europe.
According to ECMWF weather model projections, significant snowfall is expected in various regions of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland on January 11. The models indicate that by 6am, the snow will have moved towards the southeast of England, particularly affecting London and Kent.
While the snow will fall heavily, at rates of up to 4cm per hour in some areas, it is likely to accumulate mainly in the far eastern parts of England, as per the forecasts. This additional snowfall will deepen existing snow cover, reaching depths of up to 20 inches in certain locations after the blizzards.
Various parts of the UK, including the Pennines and Snowdonia, could witness snow accumulations of around 12cm (4.7 inches) by noon. However, the most substantial snowdrifts are expected in Scotland, where up to 50cm (19.6 inches) of snow may blanket parts of the west coast.
Furthermore, extensive areas of Europe are also forecasted to experience heavy snowfall, with northern France and parts of Belgium expecting up to 50cm of snow. The most significant snowfall is anticipated in the rugged fjords along the Norwegian coast, with regions near Stavanger projected to receive up to six feet of snow during the same period.
These forecasts coincide with the upgraded amber warnings issued by the UK Health and Security Agency (UKHSA) for all of England due to the potential “significant impacts across health and social care services” from the upcoming cold weather.
The Met Office has issued multiple new weather warnings for snow and ice extending until Sunday. A total of at least 79 locations are under snow warnings in the coming days.
The Met Office’s forecast indicates that temperatures could plummet to -12C over the weekend. The agency stated that “Much of England and Wales will experience a dry New Year’s Eve with sunny intervals. Elsewhere will be cloudier with scattered showers. The day will be cold, with increasing winds later in the north. Showers are expected to turn wintry over higher terrain in Scotland.”
“Tonight is expected to be windy with rain, followed by wintry showers in Scotland. The rest of the region will be drier with clear spells, particularly in the south. Frost and patchy mist or fog may develop under clearer skies, leading to cold conditions.”
“On New Year’s Day, it will be cold and windy, especially in the north and east. Wintry showers are forecasted for northern Scotland and along western coasts, while the rest of the country should remain dry with sunny spells.”
At Reach and across our entities we and our partners use information collected through cookies and other identifiers from your device to improve experience on our site, analyse how it is used and to show personalised advertising. You can opt out of