A new wave of snow is expected to arrive after Storm Goretti, with forecasts indicating prolonged blizzards in the latter part of this month. Storm Goretti caused widespread disruptions in the UK, prompting the Met Office to issue alerts for snow, ice, strong winds, and rain. A rare red wind warning was issued in the south-west, where a tragic incident occurred as a man lost his life due to a fallen tree on a caravan.
Recent weather modeling indicates that more snow is on the horizon following this weekend, with initial snowfall expected in parts of northern England and Scotland on January 18. The ECMWF model projects a significant weather system moving in from the Atlantic early morning, leading to heavy rain in various low-lying areas across the nation.
Maps for January 19 reveal additional snowfall in several regions, affecting the south-west of England, Wales, the Pennines, the Yorkshire Dales, and western Scotland. Scotland might experience snowfall rates of up to four inches per hour as per the data.
Further snowfall is anticipated on January 20, particularly impacting the Midlands and northern England around 6am. Cities like Manchester, Liverpool, and Stoke-on-Trent could witness snowfall, with potential flurries of one inch per hour.
Snow depth projections for midday on January 20 suggest up to 40cm (16 inches) settling in parts of northern Scotland, with around 7cm (three inches) in Wales and 6cm (two inches) in northern England.
BBC Weather forecasts indicate the possibility of more snow later this month, mentioning a potent low-pressure system approaching, potentially bringing heavy rain and strong winds, with snow likely in higher elevated regions of northern Scotland.
As for January 19 to 25, the chances of significant snowfall remain low, but wintry showers could occur in northern areas, mainly in Scotland, during brief cold and clear intervals between weather changes. Precipitation levels are expected to be around or above average for most regions, with any remaining snow likely to thaw further.
An amber warning for snow is currently in effect in the Highlands until tomorrow afternoon, with additional warnings for rain across Scotland and Northern Ireland this weekend. Met Office Chief Forecaster Rebekah Hicks emphasized the transition to milder weather on Sunday, ending the recent cold spell. She highlighted the potential for notable snow accumulations in Scotland, particularly in the Highlands, alongside strong winds, making Sunday’s weather impactful.
The forecast suggests the snow will transition to rain during the day, with freezing rain possible, creating hazardous icy conditions instantly. The combination of heavy rain, snowmelt, and rising temperatures also raises concerns about potential flooding in some areas. With multiple severe weather alerts in place, staying informed with updated forecasts and guidance from local authorities is crucial.