Parts of England are preparing for significant snowfall in the upcoming days, as indicated by the latest weather forecasts. According to weather maps provided by WXCharts, up to six English counties are expected to experience snow accumulation of up to two inches.
Regions that may be impacted include Greater Manchester, Lancashire, and parts of West and North Yorkshire, with potential snow reaching areas in southern Cumbria and western County Durham. The snowfall is anticipated to commence around 6am on Monday, January 5, lasting for over 12 hours based on snow depth predictions. In elevated areas like the Peak District and the Yorkshire Dales, snow depth could reach two inches. Temperatures are projected to decrease across the region a few days before the anticipated snowfall, with some areas experiencing temperatures just above freezing. Scotland, particularly the Highlands and Perth and Kinross, is expected to encounter frigid lows of -9C at 3am.
Substantial portions of Yorkshire, the Humber, and the North West are bracing for temperatures as low as -4C. North Wales and cities like Cardiff and Swansea may also see temperatures drop to -4C and -1C, respectively. Mild areas such as London, the South West, and East of England are expected to have temperatures hovering between -2C and -1C.
The Met Office forecast spanning from Sunday, December 28, to Tuesday, January 6, suggests a prevailing high-pressure system over the UK during this period, leading to settled and mostly dry weather conditions. Cloud cover may persist, but any precipitation is anticipated to be light with minimal accumulations. Winds are expected to be gentle, and temperatures are likely to be near or slightly below average.
Looking ahead to the first week of January, the forecast indicates a continuation of settled and predominantly dry conditions for many parts of the UK. However, there is a slight possibility of more unsettled, wetter, and milder weather patterns emerging, particularly in the northern regions.