UK snow maps show -10C blizzard and 16 inches of snow to bury 10 cities – full list | Weather | News
Britain could face a major winter onslaught as new snow maps reveal a deep low-pressure system is dragging freezing air across the country, bringing blizzard conditions, plummeting temperatures and huge snowfall totals. WXCharts data based on the ECMWF model created on January 2 shows a strong storm system tracking the North Sea around January 13, pulling in severe cold air from the north and east.
Maps show conditions could get serious, particularly in northern England and Scotland, with temperatures dropping to -10C in some areas. Maps show widespread snowfall developing as the low pressure system deepens and bands of heavy snow moving inland. Some areas may see up to 40 cm (about 16 inches) of snow; This would be enough to cause major disruption if the WXCharts scenario were to occur.
The first WXCharts chart, a ‘Winter Overview’ chart, shows a deep area of low pressure forming over the North Sea around 13 January. It is estimated that pressure values will drop on this date, indicating a strong system that can produce widespread heavy rainfall.
Crucially, the chart also shows 528 dam lines stretching south across the UK, as far as Swansea and the rest of South Wales. This is a classic signal that the weather is cold enough for snow to fall at low levels. If this cold front is firmly in place, any precipitation associated with the lows is likely to fall as snow.
Rain bands can be seen moving from the east and northeast towards the interior. These groups are strongest in eastern Scotland, northern England and the Midlands. Strong pressure gradients also suggest wind gusts of 30 to 40 mph, which have the potential to increase the risk of blizzards.
The second WXCharts image shows the ECMWF snow depth projection. This map highlights widespread snow cover across much of the UK; The deepest accumulations are concentrated in the higher ground, but there are still significant aggregates at lower elevations.
Snow depth values can reach 30 to 40 cm (12 to 16 inches) in some parts of Scotland, including areas near Aberdeen, Dundee and the Highlands. Widespread totals of 20 to 30 cm are also seen in central and southern Scotland, while significant accumulations are seen in northern England, stretching from the Pennines to urban areas.
Model output shows cities such as Manchester, Leeds and Sheffield under 20 to 30cm of snow, while parts of the Midlands, including Birmingham and Stoke on Trent, could see 10 to 20cm of snow, which could be enough to cause travel disruption and school closures.
- Glasgow – 25–35cm
- Edinburgh – 20–30cm
- Aberdeen – 40cm locally
- Dundee – 25–35cm
- Newcastle – 15–25cm
- Manchester – 20–30cm
- Leeds – 15–25cm
- Sheffield – 20–30cm
- Stoke-on-Trent – 15–20cm
- Birmingham – 10–15cm
As of January 2, the Met Office’s long-term weather forecast for the period from January 7 to January 16 reads: “Recent cold northerly winds will begin to ease by mid-next week, with snowfall in the north and east becoming lighter and less frequent.”
“However, bands of rain look likely to slowly move in from the Atlantic and as they meet the cold air established over the UK, some further snowfall is possible, particularly in the central and eastern areas, with a higher chance of rain in the west. The outlook becomes more uncertain from next weekend. Conditions are likely to be less cold than recently, but there is the potential for further snowfall, particularly in the northern and central areas.
“Further south and west, lighter interludes are possible, with the possibility of heavier rain and stronger winds at times.”
Regarding its long-term forecasts, the Met Office warns: “Looking at forecasts beyond five days into the future, the chaotic nature of the atmosphere begins to play a larger role – minor events currently occurring over the Atlantic could have potentially significant impacts on our weather in the UK within a matter of days.”
