Britons are being cautioned about two unusual and hazardous weather events anticipated later this month as a result of an Arctic blast, bringing temperatures potentially dropping to as low as -10C.
Following a chilly start to 2026, many regions experienced a slightly milder week, but weather forecasts indicate that individuals should be prepared with hats and gloves as more wintry conditions are expected throughout January.
Recent maps show low-pressure systems approaching from the north and west, ushering in unsettled weather conditions and snow as moist air collides with cold Arctic air moving southward.
As the final week of January approaches, heavy snow is expected due to a low-pressure system affecting northern weather, accompanied by two high-pressure systems to the east and west.
Temperatures across the country are significantly below zero, with projections indicating a drop to -10C in Scotland. By January 28, a noticeable temperature disparity is forecast, with the north experiencing very low temperatures while the south may see a rise to low single digits.
In Scotland, weather maps are displaying unusual orange and green colors, indicating freezing rain and ice pellets, posing significant risks.
Freezing rain occurs when snow transitions into rain in warm air and then refreezes upon contact with colder air, forming a hazardous layer of ice on surfaces.
The Met Office warns that freezing rain can be extremely dangerous, impacting air travel, trees, power lines, and turning roads into hazardous icy surfaces.
According to America’s National Weather Service, freezing rain can pose a severe threat to bridges, elevated roads, trees, and power lines due to rapid ice accumulation.
Weather maps for January 28 show a green area in northern Scotland indicating ice pellets, which then moves to central Scotland before dissipating by nightfall.
Ice pellets form when melting snowflakes refreeze into grain-like particles upon encountering sub-freezing temperatures, creating a dense covering similar to snow but smaller and heavier.
The Met Office’s long-range weather forecast from January 20 to 29 suggests an increased likelihood of cold weather and snow towards the end of the month, with a battle between Atlantic weather systems and high-pressure cold conditions expected.
Overall, the forecast predicts cloudy and changeable weather initially dominated by milder Atlantic air, with potential transitions to colder conditions and increased chances of snow across the country in the later period.