A significant snowfall of up to 19 inches is expected to hit various parts of the UK during January, with multiple blizzards anticipated to affect Brits.
The ECMWF weather model indicates that nearly all regions, including major cities like London, Birmingham, Cardiff, Manchester, and Glasgow, are likely to experience snowfall. Scotland is forecasted to see snow in the initial days of January, followed by its spread to Northern Ireland, Wales, and England by January 7.
By midday on January 7, the north-west of England and North Wales may witness heavy snowfall at a rate of approximately four inches per hour. Subsequently, South Wales, the south-west, and the Midlands are expected to encounter flurries around midnight.
The snow is then projected to move eastward, affecting large parts of England by the morning of January 8. The intensity of snowfall, particularly in central and eastern England, could reach up to four inches per hour.
Towards the evening of January 8, another wave of snow is anticipated to impact the north-east and Scotland, with additional flurries possible in Northern Ireland and parts of Wales. Snow coverage charts indicate widespread snowfall across the country, with only the far south of England potentially avoiding snow by midday on January 8.
Snow depth charts suggest significant accumulations, with up to 48cm (19 inches) expected in the far north of Scotland. Areas like the north-west of England, South Wales, and Northern Ireland could see accumulations of 37cm (11 inches), 18cm (seven inches), and 16cm (six inches) respectively.
The Met Office forecasts snow across various regions at the beginning of next month, with cold northerly winds bringing wintry showers to exposed coastlines and inland areas. Inland locations in central and southern regions may experience dry but cold conditions, with a gradual shift to slightly milder weather towards the latter part of the period.
An amber cold health alert has been issued for the North East and North West of England from 8pm today until 12pm on January 5, with temperatures expected to drop to around 3-5C. The UKHSA has warned of significant impacts on health and social care services, potentially leading to an increase in deaths among vulnerable populations.
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