Met Office verdict on UK snow risk after huge 'blizzard' reports
The Met Office has said snow remains a possibility in the UK with colder spells not ruled out as we move from January into February. Although temperatures are rising after the sub-zero weather blast of recent days, we could still see more of the white stuff, as well as frost and ice in parts of the country.
Some weather maps are showing the possibility of snow in the UK before the end of January, with reports of a '5cm per hour' blizzard. WXCharts data and maps suggest snow in Scotland on January 23 and then down to Manchester and Newcastle on January 24.
Snow maps for midnight on January 24 suggest most of Scotland, Northern Ireland, northern parts of England, and Wales will have some snow on the ground. A small part of South West England could also be impacted, the Mirror reports.
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For the Met Office, the period from Saturday, January 18 to Monday, January 27 is likely to see settled conditions across much of the country. It says temperatures are likely to be a little above average, but frost and fog patches are "likely under clearer skies and lighter winds."
But as we move into the period from Tuesday, January 28 to Tuesday, February 11, an Atlantic weather flow is likely to bring in unsettled if milder weather with rain and strong winds affecting most of the country. "However, the potential for brief colder spells with associated frost, ice and snow remains, following any deep lows crossing the region," the Met Office adds.
In Gloucestershire, we can expect day time highs of up to 11C on Wednesday with overnight lows staying above freezing for most of the county for the rest of the week. There will be overcast skies but it will remain dry through to next Monday.
Met Office West Country weather forecast
This Evening and Tonight: Many areas will have a cloudy evening and overnight period with mist and fog developing in places, mainly in upland areas. A few clearer spells this evening and more generally in the west of Cornwall. Largely frost-free. Minimum temperature 4 °C.
Wednesday: A cloudy day for many, with any fog tending to lift. The chance of a few brighter breaks developing but perhaps generally sunnier across Cornwall at times. Remaining milder. Maximum temperature 9 °C.
Outlook for Thursday to Saturday: Staying dry through the remainder of the week but often cloudy. Some sunshine is possible at times with patchy frost and fog forming during overnight cloud breaks. Turning somewhat colder.
Met Office long-range UK forecast
Saturday, January 18 to Monday, January 27
High pressure will lie close to the southeast of the UK initially, with generally settled conditions across many parts. Cloud amounts generally be large, and a little light drizzle is likely in places, which could locally become freezing by Sunday. A weakening frontal system looks like it will edge east across the UK during Sunday and Monday, before high pressure briefly builds back in from the west in its wake. Low pressure then seems likely to increasingly influence the UK weather later in the period, with some rain or showers and windier conditions affecting most if not all parts. Temperatures are likely to be generally a little above average, especially in the north, though more frost and fog patches are likely under clearer skies and lighter winds.
Tuesday, January 28 to Tuesday, February 11
A dominant flow from the Atlantic looks likely through this period, resulting in an unsettled, milder and windier than average period. This is likely to result in areas of rain and periods of stronger winds affecting most if not all parts of the UK at times, though with the wettest and windiest weather probably occurring towards the north and west. However, the potential for brief colder spells with associated frost, ice and snow remains, following any deep lows crossing the region.